Operation Hoʻopauahi will continue into a second year after Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. The order authorizes Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan to activate Hawaiʻi National Guard resources, when requested, to assist state and county first responders if fires break out.
According to officials, Logan will use the proclamation to keep aircrews and other National Guard assets on standby, ensuring rapid aerial firefighting capabilities and support across the islands. The initiative’s name translates to “To Extinguish Fire.”
Green said the move is intended to accelerate response times. The proclamation secures funding for full flight operations, refueling and maintenance throughout wildfire season.
Guard units conducting annual training this month can also be leveraged for fast deployment if conditions require it, officials said.
The proclamation, in effect from June 1 through Nov. 30, allows swift activation of additional Hawaiʻi National Guard resources, including evacuation teams, traffic control support and security missions.
“Operation Hoʻopauahi exemplifies the Hawaiʻi National Guard anticipating a need and then being there to support it,” Logan said, adding that the Guard remains ready to respond.
Operation Hoʻopauahi readiness across the islands
Three helicopters are being positioned to launch quickly and support any county statewide, increasing capacity to contain fires early. CH-47F Chinook and HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters will be based on Oʻahu, with an additional Blackhawk staged in Hilo on the Big Island.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the Hawaiʻi National Guard said they are in constant contact with county emergency management and civil defense agencies, standing by to assist as needed.
“This initiative allows [Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency] to quickly support county wildfire operations, with posturing our [Hawaiʻi National Guard] resources,” said agency Administrator James Barros, noting the proactive stance heading into another dangerous season.
Officials said Operation Hoʻopauahi 2025 demonstrated the value of this posture, with Guard aircrews logging 105 flight hours and dropping 283,908 gallons of water on four major fires while maintaining quick response times.
