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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0456.004 2022-2024P / cecoc. C MM. 45(o From: John Hammerstrom Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2023 8:01 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony - Comm. 456 Aloha Office of Hawaii County Clerk, Please forward this testimony to the Communications, Reports and Council Oversight Committee for their October 3 hearing on Agenda Item 456, submitted here in accordance with the guidance at this web page: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/county-council/attend-meetings-submit-testimony Aloha C John Hammerstrom Communications, Reports and Council Oversight Committee Agenda Item Comm. 456 October 3, 2023 Aloha w Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the county's communications, particularly during a crisis. I am a member of the county's CERT - Community Emergency Response Team. On the first day of our training, it was pointed out that among the 3,000 counties in the U.S., none has more potential disasters than Hawaii County. That fact, combined with our large, complex geography and dispersed resources and population makes communication during an emergency both more challenging and more important. The Rural Health Information Hub puts it well, "Crisis communication refers to sharing information with people and organizations during an emergency or disaster situation. Communication is essential for ensuring public safety and is effective when the right messages are delivered well, to the right individuals, at the right time. There are different considerations for crisis communication during the planning, response, and recovery phases." My most vivid experience with county crisis communication was during the wildfires in Paauilo, during which it was nearly impossible to find critical information like where is the fire in relation to homes? Which direction is it moving? What is the prognosis? What are potential evacuation routes? Is there a shelter? Are civilian assets being marshaled to help? Where can I find the most accurate and timely information? In a survey of county crisis communications around the nation, I am sorry to report that ours is lacking, which is particularly concerning in light of our multiple vulnerabilities. With respect, I submit that we need much better access to up-to-date critical information. Aloha John Hammerstrom Laupahoehoe Comm. No • 4 Ref. To: VA&LYW— Ref. Date+ – o t:'b.