Hawaiian Electric to host Community Resilience Fair in North Kohala

Hawaiian Electric invites the public to a Community Resilience Fair on Aug. 29 in North Kohala at Hisaoka Gym in Kamehameha Park.

The free family event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is presented by Hawaiian Electric in partnership with Hawai‘i County Council member James Hustace, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and Kohala Resilience Hub. It will feature an open house and community meeting focused on wildfire safety and preparedness, as well as keiki activities and food vendors.

Representatives from a variety of county agencies, businesses and organizations will share information and resources to help residents prepare for emergencies and keep their homes and communities safe.

The meeting is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. and will begin with a presentation about Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire safety strategy to reduce wildfire risk and protect communities in high-risk areas.

Measures include enhanced safety procedures, video cameras, weather stations and the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program.

The presentation will be followed by a moderated panel discussion about wildfire safety, emergency preparedness and how communities can work together to support each other.

“Kohala is considered a wildfire risk area, and our residents are understandably concerned,” said Hawai‘i County Council North and South Kohala representative Hustace in a release about the upcoming event. “The Community Resilience Fair brings everyone together to share information and resources and, more importantly, find ways to collaborate and support each other. We are stronger together.”

Email to Kendra.Bruno@hawaiicounty.gov or CommunityRelations.HawaiiIsland@hawaiianelectric.com for additional information.