Community Resilience Fair

by Kristen Okinaka | Sept. 5, 2024

Representatives from various agencies and organizations were panelists at the West Hawaii Community Resilience Fair, including the Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Fire Department, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, Hawaii County Civil Defense, County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply, and Hawaiian Electric.

As a Hawaiian Electric employee, I’ve responded to many emergencies that impact electric service including severe storms, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunami, and a worldwide pandemic.

One thing I’ve taken to heart is the importance of preparation.

Like hundreds of my colleagues, I have a role on the company Incident Management Team to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. Our homes and families must be ready so we can focus on our responsibilities and keep the lights on for our communities.

Wildfires have been recognized as a top hazard facing Hawaii. Hawaiian Electric is developing a Wildfire Safety Strategy to reduce the risk of wildfires.

One of many safety measures is our recently launched Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. We may preemptively shut off power in certain areas during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions. It’s our last line of defense to help protect communities in high wildfire risk areas and may result in extended power outages.

Understandably, customers are worried about being without electricity for hours or days.

Vibrant Hawaii was one of the many organizations that had a booth to share tips and information for emergenct preparedness and safety.

Hawaiian Electric recently hosted two Community Resilience Fairs in Kohala and Kona. They brought together residents, businesses, organizations, and experts to help communities in PSPS areas prepare for potential power outages and other emergencies.

In Kona, the free event featured an open house and included a community meeting and panel discussion about our Wildfire Safety Strategy and PSPS program. Watch the full recording on our website and on Na Leo TV.

The open house offered emergency preparedness information, tools and resources as well as ways to build resilience to severe weather-related events fueled by climate change.

A big mahalo to our partners at Citizens’ Climate Lobby, County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply, Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, Hawaii Fire Department, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii Red Cross, Sustainable Energy Hawaii, and Vibrant Hawaii.

The panel discussion showed how these organizations are working together to plan and prepare for emergencies. The panelists also discussed the steps each of us can do to keep our communities safe.

I learned that if I’m prepared for hurricane season, I’m prepared for a power shutoff. I have two weeks’ worth of water, nonperishable food, and other supplies. My family evacuation plan is done and my Go Bag is packed. I made sure those with special medical needs have a backup power supply or a safe place to go. I also can get involved with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Firewise Community, and Resilience Hub.

Hawaiian Electric representatives hosted a booth to explain more on the company’s developing Wildfire Safety Strategies, including the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program.

Learn how to prepare for a PSPS and how we’ll keep you informed by visiting our website or attending PSPS Community Events around the island. To request a presentation for your organization, email: CommunityRelations.HawaiiIsland@hawaiianelectric.com.

Planning and preparation are the easiest ways to stay safe and build resilience to severe weather events. We’re all in this together, and I’m committed to doing my part.

Kristen Okinaka is a senior communications specialist on Hawaii Island at Hawaiian Electric.