Community invited to town meeting on 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” from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7.
The meeting will be held in person at Kahilu Town Hall.
91直播 Island faces a wide range of natural hazards, including wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and tsunami risks. Recent events have underscored how quickly emergencies can escalate and how vital it is for communities like 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.
The town meeting will focus on a community-centered conversation reflecting on recent emergency events that have impacted 91直播 Island, including the fires of 2021 and 2023, the 2025 tsunami event, and the storms of 2026.
The meeting will feature two guided panel discussions.
The first panel discussion will explore how emergency response systems function in real time.
Representatives from Civil Defense; the statewide 91直播 Advisory Council on Emergency Management; 91直播 County police, fire, Parks and Recreation, Water Supply and Public Works departments; Waimea’s Community Emergency Response Team; Pohakuloa Training Area; and County Council leadership will share their perspectives on response protocols and interagency collaboration.
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.
Vibrant 91直播, 91直播 Island Safety and Security Professionals Association, and Waimea Resilience Hub — along with local churches and schools — will share their experiences and ongoing preparedness efforts during times of crisis. Speakers from 91直播an Electric and Department of Public Works will address how essential services are maintained.
Residents are encouraged to arrive early. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with refreshments available. Attendees can enjoy chili from Waimea Butcher Shop along with sweet treats and beverages before the program begins.
WCA encourages all community members to attend and take part in this important discussion. Questions will be addressed as time permits during the meeting.
There will be no live streaming of this town meeting, but portions of the meeting will be filmed for later viewing.
For additional information, contact WCA President Nancy Carr Smith at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit www.WaimeaTown.org.
