Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Fire Management Plan

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May

2008

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**I. INTRODUCTION 3**

## II. RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING/FIRE POLICY 6 

**III. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT 8**

> **A. General Management Considerations 8** Collaboration
>
> Priority Setting
>
> Accountability
>
> **B.** **Wildland Fire Management Goals 8**

C.  **Wildland Fire Management Options 9**

> Wildland Fire Suppression
>
> Wildland Fire Use
>
> Prescribed Fire
>
> Non-Fire Applications
>
> **D. Descriptions of Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire
> Management Units 10**
>
> Fire History
>
> Fire Regime-Wildland Fuel Alteration
>
> Range of Potential Fire Behavior
>
> Fire Management Unit Characteristics
>
> Fire Management Unit Objectives
>
> Operational Considerations with Implementation

**IV. Wildland Fire Management Program Components 13**

**A. Wildland Fire Suppression 13** Safety

Wildland Fuel Management

Fire Prevention/Education Activities

Annual Fire Training and Qualifications Fire Season

Readiness of Personnel, Equipment and Supplies

Step-Up Staffing Plan Initial Attack

Extended Attack

Aviation Management

**B.** **Wildland Fire Use 22**

C.  **Prescribed Fire 22**

> Prescribed Fire Planning
>
> NPS Prescribed Fire Burn Plan
>
> Approval Authority
>
> Prescribed Fire Operations
>
> Prescribed Fire Evaluations
>
> Exceeding Prescribed Fire Burn Plan Parameters
>
> Air Quality and Smoke Management

D.  **Non-Fire Fuel Applications 26**

E.  **Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration 26**

Suppression Damage Repair

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation

Emergency Stabilization

Restoration

**V. Fire Management Organization and Budget 28**

**VI. Monitoring and Evaluation 31**

**VII. References 33**

**VIII. Glossary 34**

**Tables 36**

Table 1. Fire Behavior Potential

Table 2. Annual Fire Management Reports-Records

**Exhibits**

Exhibit 1 -- Wildland Fire Management Policy

Exhibit 2 -- Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA)

Exhibit 3 -- Cooperative Agreement (NPS-HCFD)

Exhibit 4 -- Delegation of Authority Letter (Sample)

Exhibit 5 -- MIST Guidelines

Exhibit 6 -- NPS Prescribed Burn Plan

Exhibit 7 -- Fire Management Organizational Chart

**I. INTRODUCTION**

The purpose of this plan is to develop the park's fire management
program to better protect human life, property, cultural resources; and
to protect, maintain or restore natural resources. This plan will serve
as (1) programmatic direction for all fire management activities, and
(2) the basis for future funding, particularly for the use of prescribed
fire and fuels treatments.

Under the direction of Director's Order 18, parks are required to
complete and review annually a park-specific Fire Management Plan (FMP).
National Park Service Director's Order 18 states: "*each park with
vegetation capable of carrying fire to prepare a fire management plan to
guide a fire management program that is responsive to the park's natural
and cultural resource objectives and to safety considerations for park
visitor, employees, and developed facilities. Alternatives to be
implemented will be described in detail in a draft Fire Management Plan.
The Environmental Assessment developed in support of the fire management
plan will consider effects on air quality, water quality, health and
safety, and natural and cultural resource management objectives*."

An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to evaluate and
provide public input to the wildland fire management program at
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (NHP). The Environmental
Assessment, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
outlines the different alternatives that will be considered in the
park's Fire Management Plan. The EA compared issues, concerns, resource
effects and environmental impacts associated with three fire management
alternatives for this NHP. The three alternatives were:

-   Alternative 1-No Action. The park would continue the fire management
    program that exists today, which is immediate suppression of all
    wildfire without an approved Fire Management Plan (FMP). This
    Alternative was not a viable choice since it did not provide for the
    required approved FMP. The existing impacts of Alternative 1, No
    Action, sets a baseline of existing impacts continued into the
    future against which to compare the impacts of Alternatives 2 and 3.

-   Alternative 2-Minimum Management Action. This alternative includes
    the completion of an approved Fire Management Plan as required by
    Director's Order #18. This alternative also includes the suppression
    of all natural and human ignited wildfires.

-   Alternative 3-Proposed Action. This alternative includes the
    completion of an approved Fire Management Plan as required by
    Director's Order #18. This alternative also includes the suppression
    of all natural and unplanned human ignited fires. Prescribed fire
    will be limited to the use of a hand held propane torch for point
    application removal of invasive, non-native pickleweed surrounding
    wetlands, anchialine ponds, and coastal beach strand.

    The alternative selected that best met resource management
    objectives while also protecting life and property was the third
    alternative. It includes the limited use of prescribed fire for the
    reduction of invasive non-native pickleweed.

    This FMP also meets the requirements of the National Historical
    Preservation Act (NHPA). The assessment of wildfire, suppression,
    and prescribed fire related effects to cultural resources were
    addressed in the EA.

The EA did not address all possible actions. For example, Alternative 3,
Preferred Action, allows for prescribed burning of pickleweed, but it
does not allow for prescribed burning of other alien plant species.
Expanding the use of prescribed fire that is not analyzed in this
document may require additional NEPA compliance. Section 106 compliance
to NHPA will also be conducted for all affected cultural resources.

This plan formally documents the Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP (KAHO) fire
program and will help to achieve the goals and objectives described in
park management documents. The development of this plan and EA has been
a collaborative interdisciplinary effort including Park resource
specialist and consultants.

Strategies and activities outlined in this FMP utilize a variety of
Federal and USDI Departmental authorities derived from various
legislative acts and laws:

-   The Organic Act of August 25, 1916, Section 102, established the
    National Park Service (NPS) and defined the purpose of the agency as
    "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and
    the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in
    such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
    enjoyment of future generations.\"

-   National Trust Act of March 27, 1978 (P.L. 96-250) in which
    "Congress declares that ...... the protection, management, and
    administration of ......(the National Parks)... shall be conducted
    in light of the high public value and integrity of the National Park
    System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and
    purposes for which these various areas have been established, except
    as ... directly and specifically provided by Congress."

    The authority for FIREPRO funding (Normal Fire Year Programming) and
    all emergency fire accounts is found in the following authorities:

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-   Section 102 of the General Provisions of the Department of
    Interior\'s annual Appropriations Bill provides the authority under
    which appropriated monies can be expended or transferred to fund
    expenditures arising from the emergency prevention and suppression
    of wildland fire.

-   Public Law 101-121, Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
    Appropriation Act of 1990 - established the funding mechanism for
    normal year expenditures of funds for fire management purposes.

-   31 USC 665 (E) (1) (B) - provides the authority to exceed
    appropriations due to wildland fire management activities involving
    the safety of human life and protection of property.

    Authorities for procurement and administrative activities necessary
    to support wildland fire suppression missions are contained in the
    Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook.

    Authority for interagency agreements is found in \"Interagency
    Agreement between the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian
    Affairs, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of
    the United States Department of the Interior and the Forest Service
    of the United States Department of Agriculture\" (1982).

    Authorities to enter into agreements with state, county, and
    municipal governments; and with private companies, groups,
    corporations, and individuals are cited in NPS-20 (Federal
    Assistance and Interagency Agreements).

    Authority for rendering emergency fire or rescue assistance outside
    the National Park System is covered by the Act of August 8, 1953 (16
    USC 1b(1) and the Departmental Manual (910 DM).

## II RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING/FIRE POLICY

Legislation establishing the National Park Service and Kaloko-Honokōhau
NHP defines the broad purpose of the park.

The 1916 Organic Act (16 USC 1) establishing the National Park Service
states that the purpose of the national parks is "*to conserve the
scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein
and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such
means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future
generations*."

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (Kaloko-Honokōhau) is located
on the western coast of the island of Hawaii near the town of
Kailua-Kona. The 1160-acre Park was established as a National Historical
Park in 1978, in order to, according to the enabling legislation for
Kaloko Honokohau, "\...provide a center for the preservation,
interpretation, and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian
activities and culture, and to demonstrate historic land use patterns as
well as to provide a needed resource for the education, enjoyment, and
appreciation of such traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture
by local residents and visitors...." (16 USC Chapter 1, Subchapter
XLII-A, § 396d-f).

Kaloko-Honokōhau is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, and as
such, the Park contains an abundance of cultural and historic resources,
including Kaloko Fishpond (an example of pre-western contact native
Hawaiian engineering and technological achievements), Pu'u'oina Heiau
(an example of a platform temple), grave features, trails, and other
archeological sites. Native Hawaiians are also free to use
Kaloko-Honokōhau for unplanned ceremonies and cultural events throughout
the year, including celebrating the festivities associated with
Makahiki, a designated period of time at the end of the harvesting
season observed by Hawaiians with ceremonies, festive events, and
sporting competitions.

Kaloko-Honokōhau also contains important natural resources. In
particular, numerous wetlands exist within the boundaries of the Park,
and some of these are considered among the most productive endangered
waterbird wetlands on Hawaii Island (Morin 1998). In addition to serving
as important bird habitat, Kaloko-Honokōhau also provides habitat for
various other wildlife, including marine wildlife and including species
listed as threatened or endangered

The Park contains a wealth of cultural and historic resources that
together, serve to re-create the atmosphere of Hawaiian life prior to
contact with Western civilization in 1778. In particular,
Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP preserves a complex of archeological sites,
including temple and house platforms, fishponds, and coastal village
sites.

Although the Park was created largely to preserve the
cultural/archeological history it illustrates, there are also notable
natural resources. Habitat exists for many wildlife species, including
native species and those species considered threatened and endangered.

The General Management Plan for Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP identified four
major cultural resource management issues and five major natural
resource management issues.

The four major cultural resource management issues are:

-   The identification and inventory of archaeological resources.

-   The identification and protection of cultural resources.

-   The preservation and stabilization of major archaeological
    resources.

-   The restoration and traditional use of selected cultural resources.

The five major natural resource management issues are:

-   The protection of anchialine pond resources.

-   Endangered water bird habitat restoration and monitoring.

-   The protection of sensitive species other than water birds.

-   Vegetation restoration and management.

-   Understanding and managing human impacts on marine resources.

The FMP is a detailed Action Plan of strategies and actions intended to
provide programmatic direction for the effective management of wildland
and prescribed fire for Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. It is
in accordance with the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and
Program Review (USDA/USDI 1995 and 2001) which recommends that: *Fire,
as a critical, natural process will be integrated into land and resource
management plans and activities on a landscape scale, across agency
boundaries and will be based upon best available science. All use of
fire for resource management requires a formal prescription. Management
actions taken on wildland fires will be consistent with approved Fire
Management Plans.*

The FMP will serve as the implementation document to help achieve
historic vegetational landscape management objectives, and fire
protection goals defined in the General Management Plan, and/or other
approved management plans for this site. It also recognizes that the use
of prescribed fire appears to be beneficial for the reduction of
pickleweed.

The FMP is also designed to promote agency standardization, represent
continued interagency cooperation, and serve as a reference and guidance
for personnel, consistent with the Federal Wildland Fire Management
Policy and Program Review.

Development and maintenance of this FMP involves a dynamic and
interdisciplinary process that considers existing and future land use,
cultural and natural resource values, and public concerns. However, the
FMP should be updated when changing conditions on this historic site
significantly influence the implementation of fire management strategies
presented in this plan or when the GMP is changed.

**III WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT**

> **A. General Management Considerations**
>
> Fire management goals, strategies, and potential impacts need to be
> evaluated in the context of park purpose. Park purpose is based on the
> enabling legislation that created Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical
> Park and other federal laws that affect management of the park.
> On-the-ground guidance for implementing these laws is provided by
> National Park Service Management Policies (2001) and Kaloko-Honokōhau
> National Historical Park resource management goals and strategies.
> KAHO will follow the core principles described in the 10-year
> Comprehensive Strategy of the Interagency National Fire Plan:
>
> **Collaboration***:* Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park will
> continue to strengthen its partnerships with local, state, and federal
> cooperators on and adjacent to the unit. KAHO will continue to provide
> assistance and direction to local fire departments and fire safe
> councils by reviewing grant and Rural Fire Assistance applications and
> pursuing approval of such grants for the purpose of reducing fuel
> loading in and adjacent to their communities and providing protection
> for their communities. KAHO will continue to develop agreements and
> operating plans to facilitate mutual cooperation in detection,
> prevention, training and suppression activities.
>
> **Priority Setting***:* KAHO, as directed by the National Fire Plan,
> will continue to prioritize fuel treatment and restoration projects in
> an interdisciplinary forum. The National Fire Danger Rating System
> (NFDRS) utilizes fire weather and fire history to produce fire danger
> indices (Energy Release Component) to assist managers in assessing
> risk and conducting fire business.
>
> **Accountability***:* Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park will
> maintain, establish and employ cost effective measures, standards,
> reporting processes and budget information in implementation plans,
> FIREPRO (National Park Service wildland fire disciplines planning and
> budgeting program), FPA (2006), National Fire Plan Operations
> Reporting System (NFPORS), Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) and
> Wildland Fire Implementation Plans (WFIP).
>
> **B. Wildland Fire Management Goals**
>
> The goals for fire management in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical
> Park are consistent with park management documents, regional and
> national direction. The following are fire management goals that will
> guide fire management actions throughout the park:

-   Firefighter safety is the highest priority of every fire management
    activity.

-   Suppress all wildland fires regardless of ignition source to protect
    the public, private property, natural, cultural and historic
    resources of the unit.

-   Utilize suppression methods/tactics least damaging to resources and
    the environment.

-   Use prescribed fire where and when appropriate as a tool to meet
    resource objectives within the unit.

-   Maintain the highest standards of professional and technical
    expertise in planning and safely implementing an effective wildland
    fire management program.

-   Fire personnel will be equipped with personal protective equipment
    appropriate to incident assignment.

-   All NPS employees assigned to wildland fire incidents, or used with
    prescribed fire, will meet training and qualification standards for
    that position, set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG
    310-1).

-   Mutual aid cooperators, responding to NPS fires under Memoranda of
    Agreement, will meet their respective personal protective equipment
    and qualifications during initial action operations. However, during
    project fire or extended operations, cooperators will meet NWCG
    qualification standards.

-   Educate employees and the public about the scope and effect of
    wildland fire management, including fuels management and resource
    protection.

-   Integrate fire management with all other aspects of park management.

> **C. Wildland Fire Management Options**
>
> The Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park wildland fire policy is
> to conduct wildland fire actions in a timely, effective and efficient
> manner with the highest regard for firefighter and public safety.
> Every wildland fire requires an appropriate management response based
> on management direction. Wildland and prescribed fire are used
> whenever appropriate as tools to achieve resource management
> objectives. All fires not ignited by managers for specific purposes
> are considered wildland fires.

**Wildland Fire Suppression**

Suppression management response will be initiated on all wildland fires
that occur within or enter the Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP. All human caused
fires will receive a suppression response commensurate with
values-to-be-protected, firefighter and public safety, and cost
efficiency.

> **Wildland Fire Use**
>
> Wildland Fire Use is the management of naturally ignited wildland
> fires to accomplish specific pre-stated resource management objectives
> in predefined geographic areas outlined in the FMP. Due to the size of
> this NHP, the amount (loading) of biomass accumulation that could
> cause damage to cultural resources and NPS facilities, and historical
> data that indicates this geographic area does not appear to have
> naturally ignited occurrences, this fire management response is not
> considered appropriate for this unit. All wildland fires will be
> suppressed using appropriate management response.
>
> **Prescribed Fire**

###### Prescribed fires are intentionally ignited under predetermined environmental parameters to accomplish various resource management objectives. All prescription parameters, actions, and measurable objectives are stated in a project burn plan, approved by the superintendent prior to ignition. At Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP, prescribed fire will be limited to the use of a hand held propane torch for point application removal of invasive, non-native pickleweed surrounding wetlands, anchialine ponds, and coastal beach strand. 

> **Non-Fire Applications**
>
> Non-fire applications, including hand treatments, and chemical
> applications can be used to meet hazardous fuel treatments or
> restoration goals. Although costs can be considerably more, it is
> generally more successful and greater control of risk factors can be
> achieved.
>
> **D. Descriptions of Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire
> Management Units**

A Fire Management Unit (FMU) is "a unique land management area defined
by land objectives, topographic features, values to be protected,
political boundaries, fuel types, or major fire regimes."

Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP will be treated as one FMU. The size, vegetation,
wildland fuel concerns, management goals, and suggested fire management
strategies/activities in this FMP are applicable for the entire unit.

> **Fire History**
>
> No wildland fires have been recorded in this park since its
> establishment in 1978. Prior to that date, fire history can only be
> speculated.
>
> In the past the park has used hand held torches to singe the
> pickleweed which causes die back of the plant. Regrowth is repeatedly
> treated with fire until the plant eventually dies and the roots decay.
> This method of control has shown positive results in the reduction of
> pickleweed.
>
> **Fire Regime -- Wildland Fuel Alteration**
>
> Today's wildland environment at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP continues its
> adaptation with the potential of more frequent, low -- moderate
> intensity surface fires. With the onset of Western Civilization,
> native flora has gradually given way to a more fire climax community
> of exotic vegetation supporting increased fuel loads and flammability.
> Today's fuel situation has a greater biomass (loading) of both fine
> size and larger size fuels which are more easily ignited, quickly
> develop heat intensity and facilitate quick rates of spread.
>
> There is concern that with increased alien and shrub fuels over the
> park's landscape and with increased visitor use, fire occurrence may
> increase. Some of the established hiking trails pass through areas
> primarily occupied by the more flammable alien grasses and shrubs than
> native flora. The park is more "fire prone" than in the past.
>
> **Range of Potential Fire Behavior**
>
> The climate referenced in this plan and wildland fuels described in
> this plan, present a fire environment that can be a threat for public
> safety and a concern with achievement of overall management
> goals/objectives. More recent fires in/near other NPS sites on the
> west side of the Island of Hawaii in these flashy fuels have exhibited
> rates of spread and fire behavior similar to Fire Behavior Fuel Model
> 3 (heavy loading of grass fuels). See Table 1.
>
> **Fire Management Unit Characteristics**
>
> [Location:]{.underline}
>
> Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP is located on the west side of the Island of
> Hawaii, along the Kona Coast, approximately two miles south of the
> Keahole Airport.
>
> [Climate:]{.underline}
>
> A warm sub-tropical weather pattern is common for the area, with
> periodic rains and periods of drought. Clouds that do form inland
> usually disperse before they reach the park.
>
> Mean annual temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer
> temperatures are slightly higher. Annual precipitation at the airport
> averages near 20 inches. Average daily minimum and maximum relative
> humidity ranges from 44% in November to 87% in July.
>
> [Adjacent Land Pattern:]{.underline}
>
> The town of Kailua Kona lies approximately three miles south of the
> park. The area in between is primarily industrial development. North
> of the park is sparsely populated and currently used primarily for
> recreational activities associated with the Kona coastline. The area
> will soon be developed into a golf course and luxury homes. The
> eastern boundary of the park coincides with Highway 19. Coastal access
> is via the Honokohau Harbor parking area, located at the park's
> southern boundary, and eventually from Highway 19 which is still under
> development. Honokohau Harbor is planning for future expansion and
> development.

**Fire Management Unit Objectives**

> Objectives identified by/for the Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP Fire Management
> Unit are:

-   Protect human life and property both within and adjacent to park
    area.

-   Perpetuate or recreate the natural scene that characterized
    landscape during the time it was once a thriving Hawaiian
    settlement. The natural scene will be regarded as the species
    composition, distribution and pattern of vegetation present during
    that time span.

-   Protect all cultural and natural resources at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP
    and intrinsic values from unacceptable impacts that could result
    from fire management activities.

-   Suppression of all wildland fires. Implement suppression
    strategies/tactics that result in minimal or no cultural and
    resource damage, minimize costs, consistent with values at risk.

-   Mitigate and/or rehabilitate human-induced impacts to resources or
    natural processes caused during wildfire or suppression activities.

-   Promote an interagency approach to managing wildland fires on an
    ecosystem basis.

-   Promote public understanding of fire management programs and
    objectives.

-   Prevent human caused ignitions.

-   Organize and maintain a fire management program capability that
    consistently applies the highest standards of professional and
    technical expertise.

-   Encourage research to advance understanding of fire behavior,
    effects, ecology, and management.

-   Integrate fire management with all other aspects of park management.

> **Operational Considerations with Implementation**
>
> The impacts of wildfire and suppression activities on people,
> property, and resources were analyzed through an EA. Implementation of
> this Fire Management Plan will be consistent with the findings of the
> accompanying EA.

**IV. Wildland Fire Management Program Components**

Based on recent ecological and historical surveys it is concluded that
only careful use of fire would re-create the desired effects within the
park. It is estimated that a majority of plant species now present were
probably introduced since 1830. The indigenous species that remain in
the park contribute insignificantly to the overall species composition
and total plant occurrence. These native species remain localized in
occurrence to areas that are partially protected from human impact and
most importantly, spread of wildland fire. It is felt that fire spread
over an extensive area, would favor increased establishment of alien
species and further lessen survival of native plants. Site-specific
controlled use of fire could be beneficial for native species, however.

The existence of very flammable alien grass fuels and the concern for
their expansion over the area, supports a need for an immediate
suppression strategy as the only appropriate management response for all
wildland fires at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP. The concern for public safety
(possible entrapment while on the hiking trail) further supports this
appropriate management response.

##### A. Wildland Fire Suppression

Suppression management response will be initiated on all wildland fires
that occur within or enter the Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP. However,
suppression actions will follow the direction provided by the Federal
Wildland Fire Management Policy, i.e. "fires are suppressed at minimum
cost, considering firefighter and public safety, benefits, and values to
be protected, consistent with resource objectives."

This direction calls for prudent selection of tactics to achieve a
suppression response with minimal cultural and natural resource damage
caused from the suppression actions.

A suppression management response could vary from fire to fire and
sometimes even along the perimeter of a fire. The level of suppression
response intensity will always be a 'control' strategy. Fire danger is
determined from the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDR), which is
determined daily from the fire weather forecast. An NFDRS remote weather
station has been installed at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP and will provide
NFDRS indices in the near future. An accurate impression of existing
fire danger can be determined based on weather data available from the
station posted hourly.

> All suppression actions will be done in accordance with policy,
> priorities, strategies and appropriate tactics outlined in this FMP
> and the findings of the EA.

**Safety**

> Firefighting is an inherently dangerous occupation and requires the
> active involvement of all personnel to exercise due caution and
> participate in safety awareness. Prevention of injury is the
> overriding consideration during all operations. At no time will the
> protection of resources be placed before the safety of fire management
> personnel. The Fire Management Officer at Hawaii Volcanoes National
> Park outlines safety policy in general discussion in the Wildland Fire
> Operation Guide*.* This document advocates that all operations be
> carried out in accordance with safety practices as set by Reference
> Manuals 18, 58, and 60, the Fireline handbook (NWCG 410-1), and the
> Incident Response Pocket Guide (NWCG 1077).

**Wildland Fuel Management**

> Major goal of the fuel management strategy is to achieve and maintain
> a fuel level that facilitates protection of life, property, natural
> and cultural resources, and helps establish a healthy ecosystem.

Management of wildland fuels is critical in terms of fire behavior and
possible resource damage that could result from a wildland incident, and
in achieving a particular species composition for ecosystem management
or restoring the historic scene. The importance of intentionally
managing the wildland fuels in order for a successful fire management
program for this NHP is reiterated in DO -- 18:

-   NPS units will identify, manage, and reduce where appropriate,
    accumulations of hazardous fuels.

-   NPS units will reduce, to the extent possible, hazardous fuels in
    wildland/urban interface. (This can be further interpolated to
    include NPS facilities, or developed sites within the NPS unit, or
    adjacent to the unit.)

-   Prescribed fire and non-fire techniques are appropriate tools for
    reducing hazardous fuels.

> A major change in wildland fuels existing today are non-native plants
> that have flourished, particularly kiawe or mesquite, ekoa and
> fountain grass. Fountain grass serves as the primary fine fuels for
> sustaining fire spread. These non-native species seem to dominate a
> majority of the park where there is favorable soil for plant
> establishment.
>
> Both kiawe and ekoa have been observed to sprout vigorously after
> wildland fires that have occurred at other NPS sites. Fountain grass
> appears to be a vigorous post burn competitor. The growth form of this
> plant is a robust bunchgrass, which ultimately results in a high fine
> fuel loading, easily receptive for an ignition that can spread quickly
> with high heat intensity.
>
> The possibility exists that, if left unchecked, these alien species
> will continue to expand their range throughout the park, thereby
> lessening the opportunity for restoration of native species.
>
> The following fire management strategies will be taken to manage
> wildland fuels:

-   Continue to reduce hazardous wildland fuels.

-   Remove downed fuels/debris from the coconut groves and high visitor
    use areas and remove from park grounds.

> These strategies support goals and objectives identified as overall
> management for this NHP. Their implementation is consistent with
> capabilities provided by the current management staff, occasional
> support from adjacent NPS units and mutual agreements with the Hawaii
> County Fire Department (Exhibit 3).

**Fire Prevention/Education Activities**

[Prevention Workload Analysis]{.underline}

Periodically Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP should utilize the Prevention Workload
Analysis (PWA) to identify potential ignition-causing situations that
warrant corrective action and verify the most appropriate, cost
effective wildland fire prevention activities to implement.

Normally the following components are the major considerations for a
PWA:

-   Risks - those uses or human activities that have the potential to
    result in a wildland fire ignition.

-   Hazards - the fuels and topography of an area that have the
    potential for a "large" or "difficult to control" fire from a
    human-caused ignition.

-   Values - natural, cultural or developed areas where loss or
    destructive effects by a wildland fire would be unacceptable.

    After evaluating these components, it should be possible to
    determine where, when, and how to implement effective fire
    prevention activities.

    It will be the responsibility of the Pacific Island Fire Management
    Officer (FMO) in coordination with the park's Chief Ranger to
    perform an annual review of wildland fire causes and verify the
    effectiveness of the current programmatic prevention strategies.
    Activities can be included or deleted in the annual Fire Management
    Program, if deemed necessary.

    Another reference to consult during this review is the NWCG
    *Wildfire Prevention Strategies* (1998).

    The Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP Fire Management Program will attempt to use
    a cost effective mix of wildland fire prevention strategies
    (activities) within the broad categories of education, engineering,
    enforcement and administration.

    A brief description of each category is:

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-   Education: Activities aimed at changing people's behavior by
    awareness and knowledge.

-   Engineering: Activities designed to shield an ignition source (e.g.
    spark arrester) or remove the fuel that ignites from a spark or fire
    brand (e.g. clearance around a home).

-   Enforcement: Activities used to gain compliance with fire
    regulations and ordinances.

-   Administration: Activities such as planning, budgeting and training.

    The following suggestions are activities for consideration. Which
    activities to implement however should depend on results from a
    Wildland Fire Prevention Workload Analysis. This process is
    described later in this section.

#### [Education]{.underline} {#education .unnumbered}

Educational activities will focus on educating park visitors and
adjacent landowners about fire prevention regulations, appropriate
prevention activities and current fire danger ratings using media,
signs, and verbal contact.

Additionally, fire prevention education should also be focused toward
park employees so it can be integrated into their jobs and appropriate
fire prevention messages developed for properties adjacent to the Park.

Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP will continue, or initiate, wildland fire
prevention efforts with the following cooperators or public(s):

-   Use of signs, posters, and notices on bulletin boards as a means of
    public education. Fire awareness bulletins will be issued at fixed
    stations.

-   Issuance of warnings to the public, particularly during periods of
    high fire danger, through contacts by rangers and public service
    announcements (radio).

-   Display/distribute fire use information and wildfire prevention
    items at annual Community or County events.

-   Display/distribute fire use information and wildfire prevention
    items jointly with local Interagency Fire Prevention Committee.

-   Expand the annual wildland fire prevention program at schools to
    include fire use information and/or current data of recent
    prescribed burns & positive effects.

-   [Engineering/Maintenance]{.underline}

-   Ensure equipment operators (or contractors) use fire prevention
    devices (i.e., spark arrestor) on all field equipment.

-   Evaluate park structures for flammable construction materials and
    the need for hazardous wildland fuel reduction work.

-   [Administration]{.underline}

-   Park employees incorporate fire prevention awareness as
    opportunities arise during dialogue with visitors, property owners,
    and cooperators.

-   Ensure fire prevention awareness is included in dialogue with park
    neighbors.

-   Chief Ranger and Pacific Island FMO jointly decide when wildland
    fuel conditions are such to warrant prohibiting open fires in the
    park and smoking on visitor trails.

    [Enforcement]{.underline}

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-   Continue to conduct routine patrols as means to inform and enforce
    regulations regarding campfires, smoking, etc., as appropriate.

-   Conduct area closures when extreme fire danger warrants.

    **Annual Fire Training and Qualifications**

    Annually the Chief Ranger and Pacific Island FMO will:

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-   Maintain a list, identifying individuals currently qualified for
    both wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire positions,
    including the various support/overhead positions.

-   Assess/prioritize training needs and personnel to attend.

-   Ensure knowledgeable, quality individuals are used as instructors,
    even if there is the need to recruit from outside the agency.

    The list of individuals qualified for various wildland
    fire/prescribed fire position(s), including support positions, will
    be coordinated annually with the Pacific Island Fire Management
    Officer.

    The assessment of training needs will be coordinated with the
    Pacific Island FMO, along with recommendations for training schedule
    revisions when necessary. Efforts will be made to have personnel
    attend sessions presented by other agencies when none are available
    locally.

####### 

####### [Qualifications]{.underline}

Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP Fire Management Program will follow the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards in determining
qualifications for the various wildland and prescribed fire positions.
Reference NWCG Publication 310-1 regarding requirements and
qualifications for wildland and prescribed fire positions.

First year firefighters and all red-carded personnel will need to pass
physical fitness requirements commensurate with their red card
qualifications. Information about this requirement can be obtained from
the Chief Ranger or Pacific Island FMO. Individuals who pass the fitness
physical, are qualified to attend Basic Fire Behavior (S-190), Fire
Suppression (S-130), Standards of Survival and the 8 hour annual
Refresher Course. Basic knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS)
is also required.

All personnel involved in wildland and prescribed fire activity will be
required to attend the 8 hour Refresher Course and perform the Work
Capacity Test (WCT) annually.

####### [Advancement Positions]{.underline}

Efforts will be made to assign individuals seeking the next higher
incident or prescribed fire position, with others already qualified for
that position. The intentions are to improve knowledge and performance
based on training experiences. These efforts will be coordinated through
the Western Region Coordinating Office.

Besides NWCG Courses/Sessions, the following training considerations
will be assessed and conducted as needed:

-   All Park staff trained in first aid and cardio-pulmonary
    resuscitation.

-   One Day Preparedness Session for Chief Ranger, all "fire protection"
    employees, and County Fire Department cooperators. This session is
    for reviewing major parts of FMP, use of Wildland Fire Situation
    Analysis (WFSA), and location of electrical cutoffs, water main or
    hydrants. (Optional attendance for portions of the session by
    Superintendent and other Park employees.)

-   \"Minimum Impact Fire Suppression Tactics\" Techniques (MIST)
    training for Chief Rangers and "fire protection" employees.

-   Role and Responsibilities of Resource Advisor.

    [Resource Advisor]{.underline}

    The Resource Advisor is an important fire incident position,
    especially with wildland fires that involve extended attack, or are
    using mechanized equipment. This person serves as the representative
    for the NPS Unit (Chief Ranger/Superintendent, depending on the
    complexity of the fire). He or she must meet regularly with the
    incident commander and/or the appropriate section unit leaders of
    the incident team, to assure that all natural/cultural resources and
    management concerns are adequately considered and protected during
    an incident.

    The Chief Ranger and Pacific Island FMO will maintain a current list
    of persons qualified to serve as Resource Advisors. It should be
    reviewed/updated annually, and included in Mobilization Plans for
    the Pacific Islands.

    Resource Advisors will be identified prior to the fire season,
    considering the following criteria:

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-   Training

-   Broad resource background and experience

-   Knowledge of the park's archeological, natural, & cultural resources
    and management objectives

-   Awareness of, and ability to communicate concept of appropriate
    management response and tactics

-   Familiarity and preferably experience with wildland fire or use of
    prescribed fire

-   Awareness of role and responsibility of a Resource Advisor

-   Assertiveness

> **Fire Season**
>
> Fire season is regarded as year long. The existing amount of fine size
> wildland fuels, and the fact that drought periods can and have
> occurred anytime during a calendar year, provide a wildland situation
> where a fire start could ignite, quickly build heat intensity and
> spread any day of the year. The amount of moisture for this area (20
> inches annual average rainfall), contributes to this possibility.

**Readiness of Personnel, Equipment and Supplies**

According to current Fire Management Program for the Pacific Islands,
Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP is designated as a five person readiness fire
cache. Annually, the Chief Ranger will conduct an inventory to ensure
all necessary personal protective gear, tools, and items are in place to
support a five person crew for immediate dispatch, for a wildland fire
on-site or at another NPS unit. A check list of equipment/items expected
to be in a fire cache for a five person crew is available from (or
should be developed) by the Pacific Island FMO.

Individuals assigned to be members of this fire crew should also have
their own "personal gear bag" packed and ready to take with them when a
dispatch is received, i.e. extra clothing, personal medicine, hygiene
items, etc. in the event an incident extends beyond the first burning
period.

Since the park has a year round fire season, personnel, equipment and
fire cache must be a constant state of readiness.

[Equipment]{.underline}

Equipment purchased with Fire Management funds or assigned for that use
will be used for fire protection purposes only, except in emergencies.
All tools will be marked with red paint and kept separate from other
utility tools. The Chief Ranger is responsible to ensure proper use and
maintenance for all fire equipment.

> [Supplies]{.underline}
>
> The Chief Ranger is responsible for maintaining perishable supplies
> such as rations and batteries in sufficient quantity at the fire
> cache.
>
> [Contract Equipment Agreements]{.underline}
>
> Periodically throughout the year, a check should be performed on the
> automatic fire detection system, which is linked to the burglar alarm
> system. Likewise an inspection will be made to ensure that all fire
> extinguishers meet NFPA standards, are tested, and maintained
> according to the National Fire Code and manufacturer's instructions.
> All park employees will be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

[Fire Weather and Fire Danger]{.underline}

The park installed a Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) in 2005 for
daily observations or to determine the various indices in accordance
with the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). The system is
monitored daily by the Pacific Islands Fire Management Office.

[Wildland Fire Detection]{.underline}

Due to size of the park and its visibility from nearby heavily traveled
roadways, detection is provided by park employees, visitors or traveling
public(s). Increased detection patrols may be warranted during extreme
fire danger or heavily visited periods of time.

The receiving employee at the Park Headquarters will confirm the
location and immediately call 911 and inform the Chief Ranger. The Chief
Ranger will coordinate initial attack performed by the NHP crew; notify
the local fire department(s) and Pacific Island FMO. The Chief Ranger
may request additional support.

**Step -- Up Staffing Plan**

Due to the small size of the park and staff, only a limited step-up plan
can be initiated, therefore no formalized document outlining or
authorizing step-by-step procedures to follow at each increasing level
of fire danger was deemed necessary.

As fire danger increases, emphasis will proportionately be more toward
either intensifying existing preparedness or prevention activities, or
implementing additional measures. If the appropriate activities to
implement extend beyond capabilities of existing park staff, measures
will be pursued for emergency preparedness funding or personnel detail
assignments from other NPS units. These measures will be coordinated
through the Pacific Island FMO.

**Initial Attack**

> Initial attack is immediate suppression response consistent with
> firefighter and public safety, and values to be protected. Emphasis
> should be for smallest acreage possible in order to lessen the
> population of undesired alien plants following the burn. Of equal
> importance is the need to emphasize use of minimum impact suppression
> tactics (MIST) to ensure protection of cultural and natural resource
> values. The priority for immediate initial attack throughout the park
> and these two points of emphasis are consistent with management goals
> of the park as reiterated in the legislation that established this
> site.
>
> In some cases, confinement strategy maybe the most appropriate initial
> attack response tactic to maximize firefighter safety, and minimize
> suppression costs \-- especially when suppression resources are
> critical or non-available. Another consideration are those areas of
> the park where threat of increased alien grasses during the post burn
> period is not a concern and cultural or archeological values are not
> threatened. In both situations above, suppression costs could be
> lessened. Ideally, such areas should be identified prior to
> implementation.
>
> Management of all wildland fires will be conducted under the Incident
> Command System. When Hawai'i County Fire Department (HCFD) arrives,
> the park representative will establish a joint command. The park
> representative will inform HCFD of park priorities and will remain
> on-scene until demobilized, to ensure compliance with park policy.
> Park staff and the county will be responsible to the designated Park
> Incident Commander (IC). The IC will determine protection priorities,
> strategies, and suppression tactics to be used.
>
> All park employees should remain constantly aware of the fire
> situation and location of electrical/telephone wiring or devices,
> hazardous materials, and park structures that could be threatened by
> the fire, and coordinate necessary precaution measures with the IC.
>
> Throughout the life of an incident, an IC may be replaced by a more
> qualified person if fire behavior or incident complexity exceeds red
> carded abilities of the assigned IC.
>
> Should a non red-carded person discover a fire, the person should call
> 911 and report the fire to the Chief Ranger's Office immediately.
>
> Twenty-four hours after the fire is declared controlled, a final check
> will be made before declaring the fire out. Subsequent checks may be
> warranted in the event that high fire danger conditions persist.
>
> A cooperative agreement outlining working relationships between NPS
> and the HCFD exist and should be jointly reviewed annually, (Reference
> Exhibit 3). The Kailua-Kona Fire Station will most likely serve as
> first responder for wildland fires within the park.

**Extended Attack**

The Chief Ranger and Pacific Island FMO along with the Superintendent
will determine the need for the management transition of an incident to
a Type II or Type I Incident Management Team.

> The objective of this process is to lessen the burden from the
> respective agency when an incident exceeds local management
> capabilities. Procedures for activation and implementation of an
> Incident Management Team are in the Western Region Mobilization Plan.

Preparation of a WFSA for an "extended attack" and/or large fire
organization will be done as a means to evaluate & document the
appropriate management response(s)/strategies to further manage the fire
(Reference Exhibit 2). Follow WFSA procedures outlined in the Wildland
and Prescribed Fire Management Policy Guide).

If fire spread and size exceed the management response outlined in the
current WFSA, the WFSA needs revised to reflect this change and the
management response that will be implemented.

It will be the responsibility of the Chief Ranger to initiate this
document. The Park Superintendent is responsible for its approval,
although this may be delegated in writing to another NPS person, if
desired.

Enhanced resource values may be a collateral benefit of the planned
action under the WFSA, but cannot be part of the objective of the
management response.

Example letter of "Delegation of Authority" is listed in the Pacific
Islands Mobilization Plan, and referenced in the Appendix of this FMP
(Exhibit 4). These letters should be reviewed and verified annually by
the Park Superintendent, Chief Ranger, and Pacific Island FMO.

The Park Superintendent is responsible for signing the Delegation of
Authority Letter (Exhibit 4), although in most situations unless the
incident is high complexity or involves a large size, this
responsibility may be delegated to another NPS individual.

> **Aviation Management**
>
> The park does not have an aviation program and will not order the use
> of helicopter support during fire operations. Only a qualified
> helicopter operations manager can order aviation support. The Hawaii
> County Fire Department may utilize helicopter support during fire
> operations which will be governed by their policies, procedures and
> designated landing areas. Helicopters will not land in the park except
> for emergency landings. Should the need for a helicopter landing area
> arise for other than emergency purposes, prior approval must be
> obtained from the park superintendent and the designated area approved
> by a resource advisor or the chief of resource management and the
> chief ranger.
>
> Wetlands and natural water resources, such as anchialine ponds, within
> the park will not be used for helicopter bucket operations or as a
> source of water for fire suppression.
>
> **B. Wildland Fire Use**

Due to the size of this NHP, the amount (loading) of biomass
accumulation that could cause damage to cultural resources and NPS
facilities, and historical data that indicates this geographic area does
not appear to have naturally ignited occurrences, this fire management
response is not considered appropriate for this unit. All wildland fires
will be suppressed using appropriate management response.

**C. Prescribed Fire**

###### Prescribed fires are intentionally ignited under predetermined environmental parameters to accomplish various resource management objectives. All prescription parameters, actions, and measurable objectives are stated in a project burn plan, approved by the superintendent prior to ignition. At Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP, prescribed fire will be limited to the use of a hand held propane torch for point application removal of invasive, non-native pickleweed surrounding wetlands, anchialine ponds, and coastal beach strand. 

###### 

**Prescribed Fire Planning**

A prescribed burn activity can be proposed by any resource manager or
specialist. A proposal should contain, as a minimum, the objective and
future conditions desired from the burn. This information is essential
to assist in the development of an appropriate burning prescription and
professional burn plan.

The Pacific Island Fire Management Officer (FMO) will assist with
preparation of a prescribed burn plan and recommend a Prescribed Burn
Boss. Together they should conduct a field reconnaissance of the
proposed burn site(s) with appropriate managers and specialists to
verify project objectives, identify specific concerns, assess effects,
and develop appropriate implementation procedures.

Planning and execution of prescribed fires will be funded from the
benefiting function. Only persons meeting NWCG Prescribed Fire
qualification standards will be used as prescribed burn personnel.
Training of personnel to meet qualifications required for prescribed
fire can be funded from fire and/or project funds.

**NPS Prescribed Fire Burn Plan**

All elements identified in the current NPS Prescribed Burn Plan (Exhibit
6) will be addressed for each prescribed burn project. However to what
extent each element needs to be addressed depends on the objectives to
be accomplished and the complexity of the burn.

A prescribed fire burn plan will contain, as a minimum the following
elements:

-   Description of the Prescribed Burn Area, including map.

-   Goals and Objectives, identifying purpose of the burn, resource
    management goals, and specific objectives to be achieved stated in
    measurable terms.

-   Range of Acceptable Results Expected, expressed in quantifiable
    terms.

-   Project Assessment, identifying both (a) level of complexity and (b)
    risk assessment; (as a minimum, consider all risk and complexity
    elements described in the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Policy Guide,
    page 43).

-   Organization, a brief outline of the prescribed fire positions for
    the burn project, skills-knowledge level of the positions, and who
    will serve in those positions.

-   Prescribed Fire Implementation Actions. Actions as (a) pre-burn
    consideration, on-and off-site, (b) briefing, (c) test fire, (d)
    prescribed fire prescription, including environment and fire
    behavior parameters, (e) special conditions, public and personal
    safety, (f) burn organization, (g) ignition operation, and (h)
    holding provisions.

-   Cooperation. Listing provisions for interagency and intra-agency
    coordination, public involvement, and burn-day notification.

-   Contingency. Identifying actions if prescription parameters are
    exceeded and the fire cannot be returned to prescription within
    projected funds.

-   Funding. Stating source of funding for the burn project and
    estimated costs.

-   Smoke Management and Air Quality. Describing how the project will
    comply with the various air quality regulations pertinent for the
    area affected by the burn.

-   Monitoring. Provisions and/or documentation to ensure project is
    implemented within prescription parameters, and adequate information
    is acquired to facilitate short-term and long-term evaluation.

-   Post-Burn Activities. Provisions for post burn evaluations. It needs
    to be emphasized that to evaluate some project objectives, pre-burn
    data may be necessary.

    **Approval Authority**

    According to national policy the Superintendent will ensure that
    prescribed burn plans and the personnel executing them meet minimum
    National and Regional requirements.

    The Superintendent is the approving officer of a prescribed burn
    plan(s), however this authority may be delegated to an assistant or
    the FMO pending the complexity of the prescribed fire project. The
    burn plan should have Regional FMO or peer review prior to approval.

    **Prescribed Fire Operations**

    All prescribed fires will have an approved NPS Prescribed Burn Plan
    which addresses specifically the objectives, burning prescription,
    procedures and standards that will be followed in conducting the
    prescribed burn.

    Personnel involved in the project must meet the skills/knowledge
    level determined by the complexity of the burn, and the fitness
    level for the prescribed burning position they are performing.

    The size and qualifications of the prescribed burn team will be
    established in the burning plan. All members must meet current
    qualification standards. If qualified individuals are not available
    at the local area at the time of project implementation, a resource
    order for qualified individuals will be made. These individuals must
    be available on site, before the project is implemented.

    Prior to ignition, the designated Prescribed Burn Boss will verify
    that all pre-burn considerations outlined in the burn plan are
    completed. This person will also conduct a briefing with the crew
    regarding project objectives, burning parameters/prescription,
    ignition instruction, communications, job hazard analysis and safety
    considerations.

    Twenty four hours prior to ignition of the prescribed burn the
    designated Burn Boss will notify the media and other local and State
    contacts listed in the burn plan with the following information:

    -   location

    -   purpose of burn

    -   type of burn

    -   number of acres

    -   number of resources used

    -   any anticipated concerns/needs for resources

        All prescribed fires will be carried out in strict compliance
        with the approved Prescribed Fire Burn Plan.

        **Prescribed Fire Evaluations**

        All prescribed fires will be evaluated to determine if
        objectives were met. The extent of this evaluation depends on
        the sensitivity of the objectives to be accomplished. The
        evaluation process could range from pre/post photo points to
        more extensive data-gathering methods as outlined in the NWCG
        Prescribed Fire Monitoring Handbook.

        **Exceeding Prescribed Fire Burn Plan Parameters**

        Prescribed burns that exceed prescription parameters outlined in
        the approved burn plan and cannot be brought back into
        prescription within the budgeted project cost, will need to be
        managed in the suppression response. A WFSA will be initiated to
        determine the appropriate suppression strategy and tactics to
        use (Reference Exhibit 2). Follow WFSA procedures outlined in
        the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy Guide.

        Fire suppression actions will follow the concepts/strategies
        described in the Fire Suppression sections of this FMP.

        **Air Quality and Smoke Management**

####### The park is a Class Il airshed under the Clean Air Act. Air quality is an important resource in the park however it is often influenced by natural pollutants dependant on wind patterns. Trade winds are the prevailing winds in Hawaii, except for the Kona coast of Hawai'i Island. The leeward, or Kona Coast, is protected from the trade winds by Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai mountains. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is located at the leeward slope of Hualalai volcano, and is effectively blocked from the trade winds. The Kona coast is reliant on the diurnal sea and air circulation system that drives wind flow down slope and offshore from early evening to late morning, and upslope from late morning to early evening (Atlas of Hawaii, 1998). The active volcano, Kilauea, located on the southeast portion of Hawai'i Island, produces gases locally called "vog" (a combination of "volcano" and "fog"). Halemaumau, located within Kilauea crater and Pu'u 'O'o, on the East Rift of Kilauea emit particulates. Lava entering the ocean produces very large quantities of sulfur dioxide and sulfate particulates. Vog is carried by the trade winds over the south end of the island and becomes trapped in the leeward/Kona area. The diurnal wind pattern is not sufficient to clear the air of vog. The presence of vog, or particulates, gasses and fumes produced by the active volcano, Kilauea, will also be analyzed on site through the Burn Plan. Unacceptable impacts on air quality will halt burning activities until favorable conditions prevail. 

####### 

####### There is concern that smoke may impair visibility on access roads to/from or within the park or State Highway 19 during wildland fires. Hawai'i County Police will be notified of the possibility to assist with traffic control in order to prevent accidents due to poor visibility. 

####### Federal, State and Local Air Quality plans/ordinances will be consulted during development of prescribed fire projects. These plans should serve as the basis to assess concerns and identify appropriate mitigating procedures to implement. These concerns and intended mitigating measures will need to be included in the prescribed burn plan.

##### D. Non-Fire Fuel Applications

At Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP, burnable biomass and fuels are manually and
chemically removed. Exotic grasses and shrubs are treated with
non-restricted use herbicide and stumps of larger shrubs and trees are
treated and left in place to decay. Downed debris from trees are
regularly removed by hand from high visitor use areas. The
waste/burnable fuel is hauled out by a local contractor.

Herbicide and hand clearing is expected to be used to help control
populations of alien plants as a part of the exotic plant eradication
program and hazardous fuel reduction.

Planning, programming and budgeting for these projects will utilize
appropriate project forms and procedure for approval prior to
implementation.

Monitoring of pre and post project conditions and costs will be
documented for overall program evaluation and future planning.

**E. Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration**

Rehabilitation actions need to be considered with every fire management
activity. The following sections apply to the short and long term
rehabilitation guidelines and procedures for impacts caused by (1) fire
suppression activities and (2), the wildland fire. The policy related to
Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) is found in DM 620, Part 3
and the interagency guidebook. There are four components to the
emergency stabilization and rehabilitation program. All rehabilitation
and restoration will be conducted in accordance with Department and
Agency policy and will be coordinated through Resource Advisors and Park
Staff.

###  {#section-3 .unnumbered}

### Suppression Damage Repair {#suppression-damage-repair .unnumbered}

Assess and implement actions to rehabilitate cultural, natural resource
or environmental damage caused by suppression activities. The primary
purpose is to leave the fire suppression damaged area(s) as natural
appearing as possible.

Initiate implementation of these fire suppression rehabilitation actions
while fire suppression crews, equipment, and resources are still on the
site and is the responsibility of the IC. These actions are
appropriately financed from emergency operation funds.

**Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation**

Refer to the USDI-NPS Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER)
Handbook for appropriate planning, financing, and implementing this
wildland fire rehabilitation activity. These funds are designed to
repair damage to resources caused by the fire, generally 1-3 years
following the fire and are the responsibility of the Agency
Administrator. Topography at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP is such that major
erosion after fires is not expected to be a problem. Natural
re-vegetation is desired and has been allowed to occur. Natural
regeneration of ground cover after fires has been satisfactory to ensure
adequate protection of soils, although some are undesired alien species.
Special consideration needs to be taken for burned areas. Appropriate
mitigating measures, including possible seeding, may be necessary to
ensure control of undesired plants do not occur.

**Emergency Stabilization**

These are emergency actions to protect life and property from post-fire
events, generally 1-12 months following the fire. It is the
responsibility of the Agency Administrator to acquire funding and
implement an emergency stabilization program.

**Restoration**

Restoration activities are long-term ecosystem restoration actions to
mitigate impacts from the fire and are generally conducted 3 or more
years after the fire. It is the Agency Administrator's responsibility to
implement restoration programs and is funded out of the regular program.

**V. Fire Management Organization And budget**

The staff at Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP consists of eleven full time
equivalent (F.T.E.) positions. Together they coordinate and fulfill the
various roles and responsibilities associated with the programs and
activities to accomplish the park goals/objectives.

Firefighters are park employees that have collateral duties.

The park staff works closely with the County Fire Department(s) for
suppressions of all wildland fires within the park. A cooperative
agreement exist between the National Park Service and the County Fire
Departments of Hawai'i (Reference Exhibit 3).

In a wildfire suppression, both park and county will be responsible to
the Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP IC when working within the administrative
boundaries of the park. The IC will determine protection priorities and
strategies, including suppression tactics, to be used and other
necessary work assignments.

The Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP Fire Management Organization is a direct line
from the Superintendent -- Chief Ranger, with direct coordination with
the Pacific Island FMO. No park personnel are assigned to the FMO, but
coordination is expected by the Superintendent from the other discipline
specialists/managers and cooperators, in order to accomplish the fire
management activities.

Initial suppression response and/or extended response with wildland fire
will primarily be with the respective fire departments (cooperatives)
coordinated by the Pacific Island FMO.

An organizational chart outlining the various fire management activity
responsibilities with NPS positions is displayed in Exhibit 7.

The major positions, roles and responsibilities and how they relate to
the rest of the park's organizational structure are as follows:

**Incident Commander (IC) Designation**

When qualified, the Chief Ranger automatically assumes suppression
responsibilities as Incident Commander unless he/she elects to delegate
these responsibilities to an individual whom he/she feels is more
capable of assuming the job.

The first responding individual on initial attack will take appropriate
action commensurate with their qualifications and make proper
notifications (911 and Chief Ranger) until the qualified IC arrives. On
all fires within or threatening the park, the Pacific Islands FMO will
be notified.

On Mutual Aid Fires outside the Park, the first responding individual on
initial attack will take and direct appropriate action until relieved by
an agency representative of the lands involved.

The IC must constantly be aware of the possibility that park visitors
may be ahead or upslope from a fire.

**Superintendent**

The Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP Superintendent is responsible for overall
implementation of the fire management program. The superintendent has
designated full authority to the Chief Ranger, Protection Division for
all fire management strategies & activities outlined in the FMP.

The park superintendent is responsible for periodic informal assessments
to certify that all activities of wildland fire management program is
still acceptable. The park superintendent under certain conditions may
delegate this responsibility to another organizational level.

**Chief Ranger**

As head of the Protection Division, he/she serves as the park's Fire
Management Officer and is responsible to the Superintendent for
accomplishments and results of strategies and activities of the FMP. The
Chief of Protection supervises and advises the ranger and maintenance
personnel in implementing the FMP including calling for assistance as
needed from the other NPS units, local & State agencies. This person
assists with coordination of Service-wide mobilization and inter-island
operations with Pacific Island FMO stationed at Hawai\'i Volcanoes
National Park.

**Resource Advisor**

The Resource Advisor is an important fire incident position, especially
with wildland fires that involve extended attack, or are using
mechanized equipment. This person serves as the representative for the
NPS Unit (Chief Ranger/Superintendent, depending on the complexity of
the fire). He or she must meet regularly with the incident commander
and/or the appropriate section unit leaders of the incident team, to
assure that all natural/cultural resources and management concerns are
adequately considered and protected during an incident.

**Permanent and Seasonal Rangers**

These employees will be assigned to various positions in wildland fire
suppression and/or prescribed fire positions according to their
capabilities and training.

**Research Scientist**

Since a portion of fire use is intended as a research project, a
research scientist is shown on the Fire Management Organization Chart.
This position may be a Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP employee or could be from
another park, agency or even an academic institution. This person will
coordinate with the Pacific Island FMO with development and
implementation of all fire related research at the site. This will
involve review of prescribed burn plans for experimental and management
purposes, and monitoring the effects on vegetation for evaluation and
documentation.

**Safety Officer (designated)**

This individual has direct authority from the Superintendent to ensure
that safety is a priority concern, unsafe acts and safety hazards are
eliminated and proper safety training is implemented, including all fire
management activities.

**Budget**

Fire Program Analysis (FPA) budgeting tool is in development and will
replace the current process (FIREPRO) KAHO is part of the Pacific
Islands Fire Program Unit (FPU) and will be involved in the annual fire
budget development process for this budgeting process.

Some regional fire management funds are allocated annually for various
fire management activities such as hazardous fuel reduction,
preparedness, prevention, personnel training travel expense and fire
cache.

Funding for wildland fuel reduction projects (chemical and manual
removal of exotic vegetation) could vary from year to year, pending
federal funding. After projects have been prioritized, usual annual
program and budgeting procedures will be followed.

**vi. Monitoring And Evaluation**

Monitoring and evaluation procedures will be professionally conducted to
ensure the Fire Management Program and projects are implemented to
achieve management/project objectives, and such results are utilized to
improve quality of the program and future projects. Normally this is a
joint effort between NPS research and resource management. A research
scientist from outside the agency may be involved.

**Monitoring** is the task of ensuring a project is implemented
according to the plan. On larger size program activities or more complex
projects, usually at least one person may be designated to specifically
perform this task.

Monitoring will to occur with every prescribed burn project.
Documentation formats are provided in the NWCG Prescribed Fire
Monitoring Handbook.

**Evaluation** is the task of comparing whether or not program
activities or project objectives were achieved. In most case, a
professional evaluation cannot be performed unless some information is
available or collected prior to implementation.

######### 

Most programs identified in the park's overall management plan(s)
suggest monitoring and evaluation actions. Three levels of monitoring
and evaluation will be performed: implementation monitoring,
effectiveness monitoring and validation monitoring.

-   The purpose of [implementation]{.underline} monitoring is to
    determine if the individual program activities or projects are being
    implemented and managed in accordance with the RMP Standards and
    Guidelines, strategies or procedures outlined in this FMP.

-   The purpose of [effectiveness]{.underline} monitoring is to
    determine if the individual program activities, or projects, are
    effective in meeting the management goals and objectives of the
    park, and/or Fire Management Program.

-   Purpose of [validation]{.underline} monitoring is to determine
    whether the assumptions used in developing the Fire Management
    Program or this FMP need adapted to achieve the goals and
    objectives.

Each year the Chief Ranger and Pacific Islands FMO will review the FMP
to determine the necessity for revisions. Specific information and
documentation to be reviewed might include:

-   Prescribed Fire- Evaluations of prescribed fires

-   Wildland Wildfires

    -   Individual Fire Reports

    -   Documentation for choice of suppression strategy

    -   Evaluation of rationale/documentation for AMR

    -   All WFSA\'s prepared, if necessary

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-   Other Fire Management Program Elements

    -   Fire Prevention Activities (PWA considerations)

    -   Fire Management Analysis (FIREPRO)

    -   Changes in Pacific Island Fire Mgt. budget

    -   Major changes in park wildland fuel hazard(s)

    -   Any policy changes that could affect Fire Management Program
        (FMP strategies or activities).

**VII. References**

Daehler, Curtis C. *Using Fire to Restore and Manage Pili Grasslands at
Pu'ukohola NHS*, November, 1998. Department of Botany, University of
Hawai'i Manoa, Honolulu, HI.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. *Fire Management Plan.* 2004

Haleakala National Park. *Fire Management Plan.* November, 1990.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. *Prescribed Fire Handbook*.
National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, Idaho.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. *Western Region Prescribed Fire
Monitoring Handbook*. National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, Idaho.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group, 1998. *Wildfire Prevention
Strategies*.

Publication \# NFES 1572. National Interagency Fire Center, Boise,
Idaho.

Pu'ukohola National Historic Site. *Fire Management Plan*. June, 1992.

U.S.D.I. *BAER Handbook*. National Office, Washington D.C.

Rock, 1974 and Carlquist, 1970. *Observations & Comments Regarding
Native Vegetation Change on Island of Hawai'i*.

U.S.D.I. *BAER Handbook*. National Office, Washington D.C.

U.S.D.I. *DO-18 (NPS Director's Order)*,NPS Fire Management Policy.
2000.

Zimmerman, G. Thomas (NPS) & David L. Bunnell (FS). 1998. *Wildland and
Prescribed Management Policy - Implementation Procedures Reference
Guide*. National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, Idaho.

**VIII. Glossary**

[Appropriate Management Response]{.underline} - Specific actions taken
in response to a wildland fire to implement protection and fire use
objectives.

[Monitor - (confine)]{.underline} To allow a fire to burn within
determined boundaries established either prior to the fire, during the
fire, or in an wildland fire situation analysis.

[Monitor + Contingency action]{.underline} - (Contain) Any action
necessary to keep fire within predetermined boundaries which can
reasonably be expected to check the fire\'s spread under prevailing
conditions.

[Contingency Plan]{.underline} - A back-up plan of action for
implementation when actions described in the primary plan are no longer
appropriate. On prescribed fires, these are the actions to be taken if
the fire is declared out of prescription and designated a wildfire.

[Direct Suppression]{.underline} - (Control) direct suppression is to
complete a line around the fire, any spot fires, and any interior
islands to be saved; to burn out any unburned are a adjacent to the fire
side of the control line; and to cool down all hot spots that are
immediate threats to the line until the line can reasonably be expected
to hold under foreseeable conditions.

[Escaped Fire]{.underline} - A fire that has exceeded the first
calculation of initial attack resources and reasonable reinforcements
necessary for prompt control or that exceeds its fire prescription.

[Fire Management Unit (FMU)]{.underline} - A term used to denote the
division of an area for fire planning purposes based on common fire
management objectives

[Flame length]{.underline} - Average length of the flame at the head of
the fire. A visual measurement that can be equated with fireline
intensity, which is a calculation.

[Fuel Model]{.underline} - A simulated fuel complex for which all the
fuel descriptors required for the solution of a mathematical fire spread
model have been specified

[Holding Plan]{.underline} - A plan necessary to maintain a fire within
a designated area. On prescribed fires, this plan describes actions to
be taken to maintain the fire within prescription such as line
construction, burnout, mop-up, and facilities protection.

[Minimum Impact Suppression]{.underline} - The application of strategy
and tactics which effectively meet suppression and resource objectives
with the least cultural, environmental, and social impacts.

[Minimum Tool]{.underline} - Apply only the minimum impact policy,
device, force, regulation, instruments, or procedure to bring about a
desired result.

[Monitoring Team]{.underline} - A team, designated in writing by the
responsible line officer, whose function is the daily monitoring of
wildland fire use and there commendation of management options for those
fires.

[Prescribed Fire]{.underline} - Any fire ignited by management actions
to meet specific objectives. A written approved prescribed fire plan
must exist, and NEPA requirements must be met prior to ignition.

[Prescription]{.underline} - Measurable criteria that guide selection of
appropriate management actions and response. Prescription criteria may
include safety, economic, public health, environmental, geographic,
administrative, social or legal considerations.

[Wild Fire]{.underline} - An unwanted wildland fire.

[Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP)]{.underline} - A progressively
developed assessment and operational management plan that documents the
analysis and selection of strategies and describes the appropriate
management response for a wildland fire or a wildland fire being managed
for resource benefits. A full WFIP consists of three stages. Different
levels of completion may occur for differing management strategies
(i.e., fires managed for resource benefits will require tow to three
stages of the WFIP completed while some fires that receive a suppression
response may only have one or two stages completed).

[Wildland Fire]{.underline} - Any non-structure fire, other than
prescribed fire, that occurs in the wildland.

[Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA)]{.underline} - A decision
making process that evaluates alternative management strategies against
selected safety, social, economical, political, and resource management
objectives as selection criteria.

[Wildland Fire Use]{.underline} - Fires in designated areas, which are
ignited by lightning and are allowed to burn under preplanned, specified
conditions and objectives, to achieve resource management benefits.

**Table 1\***

**Fire Behavior Potential**

  ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------------
  **Fuel Model**    **Flame Length**   **ROS**            **Comments**

  1                 4 feet             78 ch/hr           Native grasses

  3                 12 feet            104 ch/hr          Existing alien
                                                          grasses
  ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------------

**\***Comparison of potential fire behavior between native and alien
grasses based on representative 90% weather parameters of 8% fire fuel
moisture and 5 m.p.h. wind speed.

**Table 2**

> Annual Fire Management Reports - Records

+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| **Record/Report**   | **Rev             | ######       | **Dist     |
|                     | ision/Preparation |  Responsible | ribution** |
|                     | Frequency**       |              |            |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| DI-1202             | Per incident      | IC           | FMO/VAX    |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| Fire Weather        | Daily from RAWS   | Chief, PR    | Park       |
| Records             |                   |              |            |
|                     | Daily from HQ     |              |            |
|                     | Station           |              |            |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| FMP Review          | Annual            | Chief, PR    | Memo to    |
|                     |                   |              | Files      |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| FMP Revision        | Every three years | Chief, PR    | Park       |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| FIREPRO Submission  | Annual            | FMO          | WRO/NIFC   |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| Park Situation      | As needed         | Chief, RM,   | FMO/NIFC,  |
| Report              |                   | FMO          | Districts  |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| National Situation  | As requested      | FMO          | Requester  |
| Report              |                   |              |            |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| Fire Danger/MC      | Daily, when High  | Chief, RM.   | FMO,       |
|                     | to Extreme        | FMO          | Su         |
|                     |                   |              | pt/Chiefs/ |
|                     |                   |              | Districts  |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| Emergency           | Per Wildfire      | IC           | F          |
| Firefighter         |                   |              | MO/Supt/WR |
| Suppression Account |                   |              |            |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| WR Burn Plan/NPS    | Per Prescribed    | PBB or PFM   | FMO/Supt   |
| Complexity Analysis | Burn              |              |            |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+
| Red Cards           | Annual            | FMO          | All        |
|                     |                   |              | a          |
|                     |                   |              | ppropriate |
|                     |                   |              | fire       |
|                     |                   |              | personnel  |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------+------------+

> **[Exhibit 1]{.underline}**
>
> **Wildland Fire Management Policy**

![](media/image2.png){width="7.416666666666667in" height="7.0in"}

> **[Exhibit 2]{.underline}**
>
> **Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA)**

![](media/image3.png){width="5.848611111111111in" height="8.0in"}

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="7.176388888888889in" height="9.25in"}

![](media/image5.png){width="7.2375in" height="9.125in"}

![](media/image6.png){width="7.2in" height="9.0in"}

+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # IV. EVALUA         |               |               |              |
| TION OF ALTERNATIVES |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # A                  | # A           | # B           | # C          |
| . EVALUATION PROCESS |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # *SAFETY*           | #             | #             | #            |
|                      |               |               |              |
| > **Firefighter**    |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Aviation**       |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Public**         |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| #                    | #             | #             | #            |
| Sum of Safety Values |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # *ECONOMIC*         | #             | #             | #            |
|                      |               |               |              |
| > **Forage**         |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Improvements**   |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Recreation**     |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Timber**         |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Water**          |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Wilderness**     |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Wildlife**       |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Other            |               |               |              |
| > (specify)**        |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # Su                 | #             | #             | #            |
| m of Economic Values |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # *ENVIRONMENTAL*    | #             | #             | #            |
|                      |               |               |              |
| > **Air**            |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Visual**         |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Fuels**          |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **T & E Species**  |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Other            |               |               |              |
| > (specify)**        |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # Sum of             | #             | #             | #            |
| Environmental Values |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # *SOCIAL*           | #             | #             | #            |
|                      |               |               |              |
| > **Employment**     |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Public Concern** |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Cultural**       |               |               |              |
| >                    |               |               |              |
| > **Other            |               |               |              |
| > (specify)**        |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| #                    | #             | #             | #            |
| Sum of Social Values |               |               |              |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+
| # *OTHER*            | #             | #             | #            |
+----------------------+---------------+---------------+--------------+

![](media/image7.png){width="6.993055555555555in" height="8.625in"}

**[Exhibit 4]{.underline}**

**Sample Delegation of Authority:**

Delegation of Authority

Kaloko-Honokohau

National Historical Park

As of [\_\_\_\_Date/Time\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}, I have delegated
authority to manage the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Fire, to Incident
Commander \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and his Incident Management
Team.

The fire, which originated as a single roadside fire, occurring on
\_\_\_\_[Date\_\_\_\_]{.underline}, is burning in the
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_area. My considerations for management
of this fire are:

1.  Provide for firefighter and public safety.

2.  Manage the fire with as little environmental damage as possible. The
    guide to minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) is attached.

3.  Key cultural features requiring priority protection are densely
    located on the surface and you will work with local resource
    advisors to best protect these resources.

4.  Key resources considerations are: protecting endangered species by
    avoiding retardant and foams from entering the wetlands and
    anchialine ponds.

5.  Restrictions for suppression actions include: no tracked vehicles
    beyond established roads. No retardant will be used within 100 feet
    of water.

6.  Minimum tools for use are Type 2/3 helicopters, chainsaws, hand
    tools, and portable pumps.

7.  My agency Resource Advisor will be Richard Boston (Resources Manager
    and Archaeologist).

8.  The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ flank of the fire borders private
    property and must be protected if threatened.
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ of the Hawaii County Fire Department
    will be the local representative.

9.  Manage the fire cost-effectively for the values at risk.

10. Provide training opportunities for the resources area personnel to
    strengthen our organizational capabilities.

11. Minimum disruption of residential access to private property, and
    visitor use consistent with public safety.

Geraldine K. Bell, Superintendent (Date)

Amendment to Delegation of Authority

The Delegation of Authority dated\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, issued
to Incident Commander \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ for the
management of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Fire, is hereby amended
as follows. This will be effective at [Date/Time]{.underline}.

(Item number and information listed here).

Geraldine K. Bell, Superintendent (Date)Number range CHAPTER