Residents along Kaumakani Avenue are set to receive a visit from officials emphasizing wildfire preparedness tomorrow, August 20, as part of a wider initiative by the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA). From 8:30 a.m. to noon, representatives from KEMA and partner agencies will be knocking on doors to educate the community about evacuation protocols, emergency plans, and staying informed during potential wildfire events. The outreach efforts follow previous occurrences on Kaumakani Camp this past July, marking a sustained effort to address the risks that wildfires pose to the island.
The program is a response to tangible dangers, made evident by the Hanapēpē-Kaumakani wildfire last year. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami praised the community's proactive stand, stating, "Preparedness is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our families and communities safe," in a statement obtained by the official County of Kaua‘i press release. These initiatives are not stand-alone; similar events are planned for Waimea and other at-risk areas later in the year.
Going beyond general advice, the outreach will cover specific actions under the “Be Ready, Be Set, Go Now!” guidelines which can be found on the County of Kaua‘i's website. These protocols are aimed at enhancing residents' readiness for immediate evacuation in case a wildfire erupts. "Every minute counts during a wildfire," said Elton Ushio, Administrator of KEMA. "Being ready and having a plan can save lives," he remarked, underscoring the critical timing these incidents often encompass.
Such efforts represent a wide collaboration among local organizations including the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Police Department, and even private partners such as Gay and Robinson. "Wildfires can move fast and become dangerous in a matter of moments," noted Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson according to the County of Kaua‘i press release. The chief underlined the importance of early evacuation, "It’s always better to leave early than risk getting caught in a dangerous situation."
The County of Kaua‘i urges residents to stay informed through its website and social media channels for emergency updates. Additionally, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency offers a free emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), which citizens can sign up for on the county website. For those without internet access, KEMA can add pertinent contact information to the county database through a phone call to 808-241-1800.
