The federal law that has impeded firefighters in their battle with the Nanakuli blaze this week ranks as a classic example of homeland security's unintended and unwanted byproducts.

The law, which took effect at the start of the year, effectively restricts the transport of Jet A fuel — the kind used by Honolulu Fire Department helicopters — out of Honolulu International Airport. It does so by levying a higher tax on the company that trucks the fuel to the scene. Effectively, choppers must fly back to the airport to refuel.

The intent was to keep fuel trucks containing aviation-grade kerosene from traveling outside of preapproved federal areas such as, in this case, the airport.

Although that's certainly sensible from a security perspective, it seems ludicrous to enforce that on firefighters, the very people equipped to be first responders during public-safety threats. During this week's devastating brushfire, water drops had to be curtailed to leave time for refueling flights back to the airport.

The law does not allow for exemptions but, fortunately, federal tax officials are giving firefighters a one-time refueling allowance in the Nanakuli case.

That's encouraging, but it's no long-term solution. U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye intends to seek a permanent legislative fix. Surely similar problems have occurred in other jurisdictions. All states should align behind this push, which would allow a more efficient defense against the threat of fire.