Hawaiʻi County offers free community emergency response team disaster training

Hawaiʻi County invites residents to become disaster-ready by attending one of several upcoming free community emergency response team training sessions.

This comprehensive course — with online and in-person sessions — covers vital components of emergency preparedness and response, including triage and first aid, search and rescue and fire suppression and safety.

“These classes give the people of Hawai‘i Island important skills to help themselves and their neighbors during emergencies,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in announcing the upcoming training. “To meet our mission of building stronger, safer communities, we are increasing the number of [community emergency response team] training opportunities over previous years, with 9 sessions planned throughout 2026.”

Applicants will be provided with a link to an online training course, which must be completed about 2 weeks before the in-person session begins.

Upcoming in-person courses

Pāhoa

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 28-29
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale St., Pāhoa
• Registration open: Now
• Registration closes: Feb. 27
• Online course must be completed by March 13. Complete this form or email to CERT@hawaiicounty.gov for registration.

Waikōloa

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 18-19
• Village Courses at Waikōloa, 68-1798 Melia St.
• Registration open: Now.
• Registration closes: March 20
• Online course must be completed by April 3. Complete this form or email to CERT@hawaiicounty.gov for registration.

Nā‘ālehu

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 2-3
• Nā‘ālehu Community Center, 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Road
• Registration open: March 6
• Registration closes: April 10
• Online course must be completed by April 24. Email to CERT@hawaiicounty.gov for registration.

This training is supported by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency, which oversees the local community emergency response team program.

Impacts of a hurricane, volcanic eruption, wildfire or other hazards could initially overwhelm emergency responders, making preparedness and response skills vital to community resilience.

“[Community emergency response team] training is a key component for a safer Hawaiʻi Island,” said Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno in the training announcement. “The time you devote to this training repays the whole community by saving lives and protecting homes.”

Visit the Civil Defense website and follow the link to “CERT” for additional information about community emergency response teams.

Email to CERT@hawaiicounty.gov to learn more and with any questions.