09/19/23-USE OF REMOTE WEATHER STATIONS ARE HELPFUL WHEN MONITORING …

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 19, 2023 USE OF REMOTE WEATHER STATIONS ARE HELPFUL WHEN MONITORING FIRE CONDITIONS (LAHAINA, MAUI) – Remote automatic weather stations (RAWS) have been installed recently in Lahaina in areas with invasive grasses that can be vulnerable to wildfires. The technology enables the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to collect data to predict fire behavior and monitor fire-stoking fuels. These stations collect data including precipitation, wind speed and direction, air temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and solar radiation for rangers and firefighters. There are two stations in Lahaina, and one is above Mā‘alaea. RAWS data is collected hourly and transmitted to a satellite, which then sends it to a computer at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho. The data is helpful for wildland fire management and rating fire danger. There are approximately 2,800 RAWS units throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are 22 stations in Hawai‘i managed by the DOFAW. RAWS units are solar powered and completely automated. “There are currently three portables set up around Lahaina for more accurate local weather. One is ours, and two were ordered from the
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