Strengthening partnerships for a safer Hawaii
by Emily Miyashiro | April 7, 2025
Last July, we launched the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program as part of our commitment to reducing wildfire risks and ensuring community safety. Since then, we’ve continued to work on improving our processes to make the best decisions during a PSPS event.
On March 19, 2025, I had the opportunity to observe our second annual PSPS Incident Management Team (IMT) tabletop exercise. The exercise simulated a tropical storm with strong winds, triggering a Fire Weather Watch — a situation where dry conditions and high winds increase the risk of wildfires.
The exercise was split into five modules, each introducing new information to the simulated exercise. Throughout each module, participants assessed the evolving situation and decided on the best course of action. It was a great way to test our ability to work under pressure, making sure we’re able to respond effectively in a real emergency.
What stood out to me was seeing employees from various departments across the company come together, including those from the neighbor islands! This training was a great opportunity for everyone to better understand their individual roles and how their efforts contribute to our overall emergency response. Through discussions, we were also able to identify areas for improvement in our procedures. As an observer, it was fascinating to see firsthand how departments across the company collaborate to work towards one common goal — keeping our communities safe.
Although this training mainly focused on internal operations, we were fortunate to have representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) join us. It was great to have them at the training since they play such a key role in keeping our communities safe and informed during emergencies. The NWS provides real-time weather updates and forecasts, which are crucial for responding to different emergencies. Having them at the training really made me realize how important it is to have strong relationships with external agencies. Emergency response is a team effort, and we are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting lives. By working closely with partners like the NWS, we can ensure that we have the most accurate data to make informed decisions.
As we continue to refine our processes and work closely with partners like the NWS, I’m proud to be part of a team that is always striving to improve and ensure the safety of our communities. This training was a great reminder that being prepared is not just about having the right internal systems in place but also about fostering strong relationships with external partners. For more information on our PSPS program, visit: hawaiianelectric.com/psps
Emily Miyashiro is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
