The Maui County Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding disaster preparedness and community support initiatives. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance resource allocation and communication infrastructure across the county, particularly in isolated communities.

The session began with discussions on staffing for resource management in outer islands such as Molokai, Lanai, and East Maui. It was confirmed that resource employees would reside in these locations, enabling them to organize local volunteer groups effectively. This initiative aims to bolster support in communities that currently rely heavily on a single individual for emergency response.

A significant point of discussion was the need for improved communication systems throughout the county. While funding from the Homeland Security Grant has been allocated to enhance communication infrastructure, officials acknowledged that complete resilience has not yet been achieved in all communities. The police department's projects are prioritized for funding, but further infrastructure development is necessary to ensure comprehensive communication capabilities.

Committee member Rollins Fernandez expressed appreciation for the completion of the strategic plan and the addition of a new multi-area specialist to the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The committee also discussed the eagerly anticipated Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training on Molokai, with plans for sessions scheduled in August and October. The administrator committed to following up on the specifics of the training location.

In a lighter moment, a member raised a minor concern regarding the choice of carpet in the new Maui Emergency Operations Center, indicating a preference for different flooring options.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of community engagement and the need for ongoing improvements in disaster preparedness and response strategies. The committee plans to continue its efforts to support isolated communities and enhance communication systems in the coming months.