The County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency is recognizing Tsunami Awareness Month this April by highlighting the risks from tsunamis generated by local earthquakes.
With a distant tsunami, residents would be warned hours in advance. However, a tsunami generated by a local earthquake could occur before any warning can be issued.
"This November marks the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Kalapana earthquake, which generated a tsunami that tragically took the lives of two people," said Mayor Kimo Alameda. "A locally generated tsunami can occur with little notice, and we encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs and know their evacuation routes wherever they live, work and play."
Know the Warning Signs
By paying attention to the following key indicators, residents can recognize that a locally generated tsunami is imminent and move to higher ground:
Feel: If the ground shakes so strongly you have difficulty standing, or if you feel any shaking that lasts more than 20 seconds, a tsunami may follow.
Listen: Tsunamis often roar or make a sound like a freight train as they approach.
Look: If the ocean does anything strange – an unusual rise or fall of sea level lasting several minutes – expect a big wave to appear.
"Earthquakes are damaging and frightening," said Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. "That's why having a clear, practiced plan is vital when you are at the ocean, as you may need to move to higher ground immediately. Please visit our Civil Defense website for more information on tsunamis, including tsunami evacuation maps."
The County of Hawaiʻi announced that $548,095 had been awarded to 31 projects for its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Impact Grants.
The program, through the Department of Research and Development, is an annual competitive opportunity for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state or county agencies.
Eligible proposals include research, programs, or projects that have a positive impact on the following program areas within Hawaiʻi Island communities: Agriculture and Food Systems; Business and Industry Development; Community Well-being; Energy; Film and Creative Industries; and Regenerative Tourism.
Each funded project brings at least $1 in matching funds for every County dollar granted, bringing the total value of awarded projects to well over $1,096,192.
County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda applauded an agreement between the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, Inc. and Life Flight Network, LLC to operate an air ambulance on Hawaiʻi Island.
"This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing emergency medical services," Mayor Alameda said. "This is an amazing opportunity that will add life-saving capacity across our island, especially in our rural areas. We want to mahalo the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation for their immense contributions to public safety on Hawaiʻi Island and we welcome Life Flight Network as an important partner for emergency response."
The helicopter, which will be operated by Life Flight Network on Hawaiʻi Island, is currently being manufactured. Through integration with the County and State emergency response services, this air ambulance will be able to provide direct critical care transport to Oʻahu from any district on the island.
As the nation's largest not-for-profit air medical provider, Life Flight Network has been delivering world-class ICU-level care and transport to the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West for 47 years.
"We are honored to have been selected by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation to help strengthen Hawaiʻi's air medical services and contribute to lives saved," said Ben Clayton, Chief Executive Officer at Life Flight Network. "We are excited to bring Life Flight Network's legacy of compassion and lifesaving service to the Island of Hawaiʻi while collaborating with and learning from local healthcare providers. Together, we can ensure residents and visitors have access to critical care when every second counts."
3-25-2025 - COMMUNITY MEETING SERIES
County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda invites the public to a series of community meetings that will provide opportunities for residents across Hawaiʻi Island to speak with senior County leaders and hear updates on projects in their neighborhoods.
The 14 community engagement events will be held from February through June and feature members of the mayor's executive team and special guests. Light refreshments will be provided.
"These events are part of our administration's commitment to foster constructive dialogue with communities across the island and ensure we are creating a County that is responsive to their needs," Alameda said. "We encourage residents to attend to stay informed, stay engaged, and contribute to shaping the future of our island."
The 1.5-hour sessions will include an introduction that will address local updates (15 minutes), a Q&A session (45 minutes), and a meet-and-greet with staff members.
Schedule
North Kona - 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, Makaʻeo Pavilion. 75-5500 Kuakini Highway.
South Kona - 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, Yano Hall. 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway.
Nāʻālehu - 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, Nāʻālehu Community Center. 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Road.
Oceanview - 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10, Oceanview Community Center (Pancake Breakfast). 92-8924 Leilani Circle.
Pāhala - 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, Pāhala Community Center. 96-1149 Kamani St.
Volcano - 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, Cooper Center. 19-4030 Wright Road.
Pāhoa - 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (Community Center). 15-3022 Kauhale St.
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