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April 9, 2025
Aloha Maui Nui ‘Ohana,
The Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) remains deeply committed to protecting the people and places we love, while building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Maui Nui.
One of our newest tools to support that mission is Genasys Protect, a next-generation evacuation notification system now available across Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i. Launched in response to the lessons learned from the 2023 wildfires, this powerful platform helps residents view pre-established evacuation zones, track emergency status in real time, and receive mobile alerts during disasters. Whether facing wildfires, hurricanes, or other hazards, Genasys Protect allows for quicker, clearer communication—and safer evacuations for our communities.
View Press Release Here
Community involvement continues to be at the heart of our work.
Since signing the official contract in October 2024,MEMA—together with our partners at Tetra Tech and local stakeholders—has made significant strides in updating Maui County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).This plan is a living document that helps guide how we protect our ʻohana, natural resources, and vital infrastructure from future disasters. From our kickoff meeting in December to focused sessions with the American Red Cross, Hawaiian Electric,and community leaders across Maui and Moloka‘i, the process has centered on identifying risks, assessing our capabilities, and shaping long-term strategies to reduce future harm. A draft of the updated plan is now available for public review, with community meetings happening this April in Kīhei and Pukalani. Once adopted this winter, the HMP will serve as a roadmap—not just for emergency response, but for how we design, build, and grow with resilience in mind.
Mitigation is about taking action before disaster strikes—and together, we’re doing just that.
MEMA is also moving forward with several important Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects to reduce risk from wildfires, power outages, flooding, and coastal erosion. One project will reduce dry brush and vegetation in wildfire-prone areas on Maui and Moloka‘i to help stop fires from spreading to homes and neighborhoods. Another effort involves installing backup generators at 32 critical water sites, ensuring water keeps flowing during power outages. MEMA teams are also working with coastal communities in West and South Maui to plan future protections for homes and businesses threatened by coastal erosion, flooding, and the lasting impacts of the Lahaina wildfire.These projects reflect our shared commitment to building back stronger and preparing for what lies ahead.
With aloha and continued partnership, we move forward—one step at a time—toward a safer, more resilient Maui Nui.
Mahalonui loa for your support and aloha.
October 19, 2023
Restoring Kapalua Bay Coastal Ecosystem Simply by Removing a Failed Seawall that had Impounded Native Dune Sands. Kapalua Bay, Award Winning Dr. Leatherman’s Best Beaches in USA, needs to be bumped up one notch to BEST beach in USA due to County of Maui Planning Department -- Kapalua Resort Association & Maui Land and Pineapple Company Inc. public-private partnership to remove a failed seawall and to restore our coastal ecosystem. Thanks to University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program dune management experts for guiding the project. Additional ecosystem improvements and two new shoreline access paths are included for Kapalua Bay.
Other success stories include:
October 1, 2023
Kama’ole Beach Park I Dune Restoration to protect the DEM pump station that will be moved mauka in the future. Top image Kihei Dunes - 06.06.21
October 1, 2023
The 2020 County of Maui Hazard Mitigation Plan included a mitigation action to acquire generator for critical facilities including the Maui Food Bank. The project received nearly $94,000 of Federal grant funding to implement the mitigation action.
This allows the Maui Food Bank to better serve the needs of vulnerable members the community by continuing to supply fresh food despite power outages.