Hawaiʻi County opens registration for free disaster training for community members

As Hawaiʻi County expands its preparedness for 2026, residents are encouraged to sign up for the free Community Emergency Response Team training .

“There continues to be strong demand for these classes, which give the people of Hawai‘i Island skills needed to protect themselves and their community during a disaster,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement.

The CERT program, which combines online coursework with hands-on instruction, teaches basic disaster skills including first aid and triage, search and rescue, and fire safety and suppression.

County officials say the training is designed to help residents protect themselves and assist neighbors when major emergencies overwhelm first responders.

In-person classes are scheduled for Jan. 24 and 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo.

Registration is open through Jan. 2.

Participants will receive a link to complete the online portion of the course, which must be completed by Jan. 9.

The program is administered by the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. During large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, or other hazards, trained CERT volunteers may be mobilized to support emergency operations.

“We encourage residents to register and help increase community resilience,” Alameda said.

The county has typically offered four or five CERT sessions each year, but nine sessions are planned for 2026 in communities across the island.

“CERT training is one of the building blocks for a safer Hawaiʻi Island, whether you use those skills in and around your ‘ohana or you choose to join a CERT team,” Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said.

More information is available on the Civil Defense website by following the CERT link at https://bit.ly/HICivilDefense.

Residents can register or request more information by emailing CERT@hawaiicounty.gov.