THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	67
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the county of maui, in conjunction with THE maui emergency management Agency, hawaii emergency management agency, and department of defense, to conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the maui community.

WHEREAS, the devastating impact of wildfires and other natural disasters in Maui and throughout the State has underscored the critical need for comprehensive and community-involved emergency preparedness measures; and

WHEREAS, recent natural disasters have demonstrated the importance of real-time, practical emergency response training that incorporates both emergency personnel and members of affected communities; and

WHEREAS, several municipalities in the United States and other jurisdictions implemented community-based disaster drills, successfully engaging residents in the planning, execution, and evaluation of emergency response exercises to increase preparedness and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Culver City, California's annual community-wide disaster drills, Japan's extensive public disaster preparedness education programs, Vietnam's community-based disaster risk management initiative, and Indonesia's tsunami evacuation drills in coastal villages are examples of successful community-based disaster drills and response programs; and

WHEREAS, real-time wildfire and disaster drills that include community participation enhance public awareness, familiarize residents with evacuation protocols, and create opportunities for immediate feedback and improvement in emergency response strategies; and

WHEREAS, involving community members in all phases of disaster drill preparation, execution, and evaluation fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and empowerment that leads to more effective and coordinated emergency response; and

WHEREAS, lessons learned from disaster preparedness drills will provide invaluable insight for the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Defense in refining disaster response strategies, improving communication channels, and identifying gaps in existing emergency protocols; and

WHEREAS, a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, emphasizing hands-on community engagement, will create a resilient and well-informed population that is better equipped to respond effectively when natural disasters occur; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the County of Maui, in conjunction with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Defense, are urged to conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the Maui community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the drills are urged to be designed to include local residents in planning, participation, and post-drill evaluations to ensure continuous improvements in disaster preparedness; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maui Emergency Management Agency is urged to collaborate with community leaders, local businesses, schools, and other stakeholders to maximize participation and effectiveness of disaster preparedness drills; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Adjutant General, Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Mayor of the County of Maui, and Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

DOD; HIEMA; Maui Emergency Management Agency; Maui County; Disaster Drills; Disaster Preparedness