4/7/24 #kihei #pacificdisastercenter

Were you aware that this world wide operation is based right here is central Kihei?  Winner of the 2022 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, the University of Hawai’i’s Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) is a global leader in the application of life-saving disaster management science, early warning technology, and advanced analytics.

s We found this in the Maui Weekly (remember that?) from 2006. Ray is still at PDC and we know about West Maui wildfires!

At KCA we last heard from PDC over a decade ago: https://gokihei.org/government/community-meeting-31511-emergency-preparedness.  So we are long overdue to again hear from our neighbor concerning potential disasters.

On May 21 at 6:30 PM at Pro Arts Playhouse in Azeka (makai) Plaza, we will welcome Dr. Erin Hughey, recognized leader in global disaster management and disaster risk reduction, Dr. Hughey developed the only operationalized approach to the United Nations Sendai Framework for Action. Known as the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA), this program has been implemented by more than 20 countries worldwide and aids national, regional and international disaster risk reduction initiatives. With a PhD in geography, Dr. Hughey has dedicated her life’s work to the innovation and the application of new science and technology for disaster management – empowering practitioners and senior leadership alike with the tools and information needed to support data-driven decision making.

While wildfires are the disaster on the minds of most of us on Maui currently, we are aware that we are subject  to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and more. We need to be prepared and take all actions to protect the community before and when they occur.

We had an outstanding level of Maui Food Bank donations at the March meeting, and we urge attendees to continue helping to fill this vital community need in May.

Membership in not required to attend, but is strongly encouraged.  KCA, with support from Pro Arts Playhouse, is currently offering a free ticket to a Pro Arts Playhouse event to new members.