To help protect Hawai'i communities against the threat of wildfires, the state Department of Land and Natural Development is inviting towns and private landowners to apply for competitive grants to develop proactive wildland protection, the DLNR reports.

"Last year in Hawai'i, we experienced an extremely high number of wildland fires on most islands and in communities located next to wildland areas," said Allan Smith, DLNR interim chairman at the time of the announcement last week. Smith was replaced Wednesday by Laura H. Thielen.

"It is critical that we assist these areas in reducing their risk from catastrophic fires. The State Fire Assistance Program is designed to do just that," Smith said. "We hope that communities and their leaders again take advantage to apply for these competitive grant funds."

The DLNR secured $77,500 in grant money this year from the fire assistance program under the National Fire Plan to develop community wildfire protection plans for Hawai'i.

The money will also be used to develop fuel reduction projects such as removal of dead trees and brush.

All applications are due by close of business on Sept. 7, the DLNR said. The funding will be available for fiscal year 2008-09, and funded projects can begin on July 1, 2008, it added.

Applications may be obtained by contacting Wayne Ching, DLNR's state protection forester, at wayne.f.ching@hawaii.gov or 587-4173. A copy can also be downloaded at www.dofaw.net.