Vibrant Hawai‘i expands resilience hub network around Hawai‘i Island

Vibrant Hawai‘i, a nonprofit aimed at shifting systems and creating a thriving, resilient Hawai‘i Island, has expanded its network of resilience hubs.

The organization that prioritizes native intelligence and shared responsibility added 20 new resilience hub partners from every district of the Big Island, emphasizing its mission to help communities become self-reliant, prepared and resilient in the face of immediate and long-term challenges.

Resilience hubs serve as central spaces where community members come together to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The hubs are led by residents from the areas they live in and serve. They operate independently, but unite as part of a formalized network that shares knowledge, resources and mutual support.

“I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our resilience hub partners across Hawai‘i Island,” said Vibrant Hawai‘i Chief Executive Officer Janice Ikeda. “Their work in strengthening local communities is invaluable not only in times of disaster but throughout the year.”

The 2025-26 network of resilience hubs spans all regions of the Big Island and includes:

• Hawaiian Acres Hub.
• Hawaiian Volcano Education and Resilience Institute.
• Honokaʻa Resilience Hub.
• Hui Mālama i ke Ala Ulili.
• Ka’ū Hana Laulima Lāhui ‘O Kaʻū.
• Kailapa Community Association.
• Kalopā Resilience Hub.
• Kohala Resilience Hub.
• Kona Resilience Hub.
• Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub.
• Ocean View Community Center.
• Orchidland Neighbors.
• Pāhoa Resilience Hub/Kanaka Ha’aheo.
• Pepe’ekeo Community Development Corporation.
• Puna Mākaukau — Fern Acres.
• Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education.
• Volcano Emergency Response Team.
• Waimea Resilience Hub.
• Waipi‘o Valley Resilience Hub.
• White Sands Hub.

The hubs are a critical component of Vibrant Hawai‘i’s ongoing efforts to build islandwide resilience.

“Hawai‘i County Civil Defense’s partnership with Vibrant Hawai‘i benefits the critical missions of community preparedness and resilience,” said Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. “Our collaboration strengthens the ability of communities across Hawai‘i Island to respond to and recover from disasters.”

Magno added that a support network that provides strength in unity for island residents with the tools, knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves and their families in times of need is being built by working together with organizations such as Vibrant Hawai‘i.

“By building relationships, sharing knowledge and operating with a deep sense of solidarity, these hubs create a foundation of resilience, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis,” said Ikeda. “Their actions exemplify the true spirit of community, and I am deeply grateful for their continued collaboration in making Hawai‘i Island stronger and more resilient.”

Vibrant Hawai‘i provides essential support to the resilience hubs through its Resilience Training Center, which offers various programs such as:

• Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness Resilience Program community emergency action plans: These plans outline emergency procedures, communication strategies and mutual aid guidelines tailored to each community’s hazards in partnership with Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency.
• Resilience Hub operations: Training local leaders in volunteer coordination, resource management and incident command system protocols.
• Mālamalama training: Enhancing resilience through empathy, active listening and emotional support.
• Chainsaw safety certification: Hands-on training for safely clearing disaster-related debris such as fallen trees.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification: Teaching essential life-saving skills for emergency medical situations.
• Resilience Academy: Leadership and emergency preparedness workshops for youth ages 14 to 24 years old.
• Kaukau 4 Keiki Program: Statewide U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program that also acts as an emergency food distribution drill.

“Our partnership with Vibrant Hawai‘i through [the Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness Resilience Program] underscores our dedication to building a safer, more prepared community for all,” said Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Col. James Barros. 

Barros added that together, response efforts will be strengthened and well-being of kamaʻāina enhanced: “Preparedness is a kākou effort,” he said.

Communities and individuals interested in learning more or participating in these initiatives are encouraged to visit Vibrant Hawai‘i’s website or email contact@vibranthawaii.org.

“Together, we can create a Hawai‘i where resilience is not just a concept, but a way of life,” said the nonprofit in its announcement about the new resilience hub partners.

Vibrant Hawai‘i is focused on supporting residents in creating local solutions to complex issues by providing structure, process and resources to drive community-led initiatives in key areas such as economy, education, health, housing and resilience.