1998 Big Island Brushfires Response

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 in 1990's, HING History

Beginning in January 1998, record low rainfall posed drought and near-drought conditions throughout the state. As water sources neared depletion on the Big Island and Maui, water restriction and conservation measures were enforced. Lack of irrigation caused crop damage and losses for some farmers and growers. As land became more parched, fire hazard indicators rose sharply. Brush fire outbreaks kept firefighters busy controlling fires ignited near populated areas. Two incidents on the Big Island burned nearly 3,000 acres and required federal fire suppression assistance. Over Feb. 16-27, 2,600 acres were consumed near the Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision in Puna, with fire suppression costs of$463,730. From March 14-16, Leilani Estates subdivision in Pahala was threatened when a brushfire erupted in three locations, burning 315 acres. Costs to control the three-day blaze were set at $264,479. In both incidents, Hawaii Army National Guard CH-47D Chinook and UH-60A Blackhawk helicopters joined firefighting crews to help control the spread of the brushfires.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 21-22

Hawaii Guard helicopters fight Puna brush fires

By Sgt. 1st Class Stephen M. Lum

2,000 GALLON BUCKET BRIGADE - A Hawaii Army National Guard CH-4 7D Chinook medium lift helicopter drops a 2,000 gallon load of sea water over a brush fire in Puna, on the Big Isle of Hawaii.
2,000 GALLON BUCKET BRIGADE – A Hawaii Army National Guard CH-4 7D Chinook medium lift helicopter drops a 2,000 gallon load of sea water over a brush fire in Puna, on the Big Isle of Hawaii.
(Picture from the 1998 February – March Pūpūkahi)

Two Hawaii Army National Guard helicopters flew water bucket operations in support of Hawaii County Civil Defense and Fire Department, Feb. 17-20. A CH-47D Chinook from Oahu’s Company C (Medium Lift), 193rd Aviation and the UH-60 Blackhawk from Hilo’s Combat Enhanced Capability Aviation Team (Medical Aviation Detachment) fought the wild fire in Puna district.

The operation encompassed 2,500 acres burnt between the Hawaiian Beaches and Paradise Park subdivisions. Guard helicopters joined three county and private helicopters that were dropping 100 gallon loads for two days.

“The Chinook’s five person crew logged 13.1 hours, making 35 drops of more than 70,000 gallons,” said Col. Vern T. Miyagi, the Hawaii Army Guard’s plans, operations and training officer. “Each load of sea water was about 2,000 gallons.”

“The four-member Blackhawk team logged 14.5 hours, making 94 drops of more than 56,400 gallons. The Blackhawk’s water bucket loads were in the 660 gallon range.”

“The porous lava rock of the young Puna district makes fire fighting a challenge,” said Chief Warrant Officer Nelson Kunitake, Limited Army Aviation Support Facility manager and pilot. “Water is not able to saturate the grounds, but rather filters right through the rocks. The rocks, like the type used for imu smoking, retain heat for a long time. When winds blow they fan the cinders and rekindle the fire.”

“That Chinook is one big piece of equipment. It helped save the day,” said Harry Kim, Big Island civil defense administrator.

Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano asked Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, to call out the Guard he

– 1998 February – March Pūpūkahi pp. 1