HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will conduct a series of disaster preparedness training workshops for the Maui community through a $100,001 grant awarded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Rapid Response program.

What You Need To Know

  • “Our hope is that by providing education and training around disasters and emergencies, the community can better understand the recovery process and how each person can be an active participant in helping the community to heal,” said Nancy Ooki, a CTAHR Maui extension agent

  • The workshops are targeted toward farmers, ranchers, home gardeners, landscape professionals, teachers, parents and youth – all those who will be part of the community to rebuild Maui after a disaster

  • Adults, families (up to four members) and youth above 13 years old who are year-round island residents are invited to attend

The grant is in response to the Aug. 2023 wildfires on the island.

Participants will practice CPR, first aid and fire suppression; prepare an emergency kit; learn about firewise plants and landscaping to mitigate fires; and participate in activities on well-being in the free workshops. Resources such as plants, emergency supplies and other items will also be provided to those who remain for the full five hours.

“The recent disasters of COVID-19 and wildfires have caused forced disruptions in activity, limited information about the future, and economic instability,” said Nancy Ooki, a CTAHR Maui extension agent, in a news release. “The combination has placed the Maui community in a position of feeling a sense of loss of control, decision-making ability, and uncertainty of the future.

“Our hope is that by providing education and training around disasters and emergencies, the community can better understand the recovery process and how each person can be an active participant in helping the community to heal,” said Ooki.

CTAHR says specific sites and times are being finalized but the dates are set as follows (except Hana):

  • March 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Kihei Charter School, Kihei
  • Date TBA in Hana
  • July 27 on Molokai
  • Aug. 24 on Lanai
  • Sept. 14 in Central Maui
  • Oct. 19 in Upcountry Maui
  • Nov. 2 in Lahaina

The workshops are targeted toward farmers, ranchers, home gardeners, landscape professionals, teachers, parents and youth – all those who will be part of the community to rebuild Maui after a disaster, according to the release. Adults, families (up to four members) and youth above 13 years old who are year-round island residents are invited to attend.

Workshops will be specific enough to impart knowledge and skills while general enough to allow participants to connect to the material. The format is also geared toward strengthening the community-building concept through shared ideas and collaboration.

Space is limited. Interested individuals can register online. Contact drving@hawaii.edut or call 808-244-3242 ext. 225 for more information.

“Our goal is to increase community member potential for emergency response to future disasters and to strengthen resilience and promote community building through resource and knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and leadership training,” added Ooki.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.