Waimea prepares: Community invited to critical town meeting about emergency readiness

Waimea Community Association invites the community to attend a special town meeting focused on “Emergency Preparedness: Lessons Learned and Preparing for the Future.”

The longer-than-usual meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at Kahilu Town Hall, a change from the community association’s usual meeting venue, to better accommodate what is expected to be a well-attended and highly relevant discussion.

Hawaiʻi Island faces a wide range of natural hazards — wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and tsunami risks, among others.

Recent events such as the destructive kona lows in March underscore how quickly emergencies can escalate and how vital it is for communities — including Waimea — to be prepared, connected and informed.

Given Waimea’s rural location, the ability for neighbors, organizations and agencies to work together effectively can significantly influence outcomes during and after a crisis.

Thus, the town meeting will focus on a community-centered conversation reflecting on recent emergency events that impacted Hawaiʻi Island, including wildfires in 2021 and 2023, the 2025 tsunami event and storms of 2026.

Through a series of guided panel discussions, attendees will hear about what happened during these events, what lessons were learned and how agencies and residents are improving coordination and readiness moving forward directly from those involved in response and recovery efforts.

The first panel discussion will explore how emergency response systems function in real time.

Sharing their perspectives on response protocols and interagency collaboration will be representatives from:

• Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense.
• Hawaiʻi Advisory Council on Emergency Management.
• Hawaiʻi Police Department.
• Hawaiʻi Fire Department.
• Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation.
• Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.
• Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works.
• Waimea Community Emergency Response Team.
• Pōhakuloa Training Area.
• Hawaiʻi County Council leadership.

The second panel will shift to community resilience and infrastructure, highlighting the role of local organizations, service providers and utility partners in supporting Waimea during emergencies.

Sharing their experiences and ongoing preparedness efforts during times of crisis will include representatives from:

• Vibrant Hawaiʻi.
• Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association.
• Waimea Resilience Hub.
• Local churches and schools, including Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy and Parker School.

Speakers from Hawaiian Electric and Public Works will also address how essential services are maintained.

“This meeting offers an opportunity for Waimea residents to better understand local systems, ask questions, become better prepared themselves and strengthen the networks that are essential to keeping the community safe,” said Waimea Community Association President Nancy Carr Smith in an announcement about the upcoming meeting. “Preparedness depends not only on government response but also on strong community relationships and shared understanding.”

She added that communities that commit time and resources to planning, communication and collaboration before disasters happen are better positioned to respond quickly and recover more effectively.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early; doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with refreshments available. Attendees also can enjoy chili from Waimea Butcher Shop along with sweet treats and beverages before the program begins.

Waimea Community Association encourages all community members to attend and take part in this important discussion about building a more resilient Waimea.

Questions will be addressed during the meeting as time permits. There will be no livestreaming of this meeting; however, portions will be filmed for later viewing.

Contact Carr Smith via email at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the Waimea Community Association website for additional information.