HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0128.004 2010-2012Robert N. Herkes
P. 0. Box 313
Volcano, Hi 96785
(808) 985 -8901
July 28, 2011
Hon. Dominic Yagong, Chairman
Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Bill No. 270 Draft 3
Aloha Chairman Yagong and Members;
fl
This testimony concerns the Council's proposal in Bill No. 270 Draft 3 to revise Chapter 5 of the Hawaii
County Code as it pertains to "safe rooms" and other amendments designed to protect structures on
Hawaii Island from hurricanes.
This proposal assumes that hurricanes are a threat to this island as a whole - with little regard to the
probability and intensity of a hurricane. What needs to be done first is a risk assessment based on a
scientific mapping of this island. Such a mapping would not only reveal the true impact of hurricanes
here, but all natural disasters.
Nine years ago, Representative Ito and I met with various University of Hawaii Professors specializing
in relevant subject matters such as meteorology and geology. Also at the meeting were representatives
from the real estate industry, the insurance industry and the financial industry.
The Professors convinced us that the State of Hawaii should map all the natural disasters that hit Hawaii.
These maps would detail each type of disaster's frequency and intensity.
These maps and the hard scientific data gathered to create them could be used in drafting amendments to
the building codes so that they are based on risk. This information can also be used for planning disaster
shelters, determining appropriate insurance rates, informing the financial industry of the risk that
underlies their lending practices, and other land use and development issues. This approach also makes
economical sense.
By consulting such a map, every person in this state would know which natural disaster they are most at
risk of exposure.
Attached to this testimony is a copy of a power -point presentation about this meeting. It explains the
need to map this state as well as other information about natural disasters. As explained in the
presentation "[t]he probable paths, frequency and intensity of hurricanes can be mapped but has never
been done in Hawaii, yet it should be."
Comm No. / 2 8
Ref. To: Pr"°d" C-0441c.1
Ref. Dote JUL 2 2 20U
I have also attached another document - a web article prepared by a University of Hawaii professor in
Meteorology which explicitly states that "Hurricanes are relatively rare events in the Hawaiian Islands."
I ask that you take a careful look at Figure 2 (also attached separately after the article).
As you can see, this island does not have a history of being directly impacted by hurricanes. Our risk is
from coastal impacts. It makes no sense to require hurricane hardening at Volcano, which is 30 miles
inland and at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Residents of Volcano are at risk from earthquakes, lava, and
most certainly VOG. Instead of a "safe room" designed to withstand a Hurricane where it is unlikely to
occur, why not require "safe room" for severely VOG- impacted areas?
What this state and county needs is a law to establish a "Natural Disaster Preparedness Commission."
The commission can do this mapping so that we can prepare this state for natural disasters before they
happen. The approach should not be taken with a civil 'defense' mind -set on how to respond. We must
adopt a philosophy of preparedness so that we are proactive in avoiding unnecessary risks. We need to
be fully prepared for a natural disaster when — not if— but when it comes.
This concept has passed the State House for the last eight sessions - only to die in the Senate due to
opposition from State Department of Civil Defense.
Hawaii is the only state impacted by all natural disasters and Hawaii Island has them all. This County
Council could lead the rest of the State by being the first island to have all natural disasters mapped.
You already have a head start. There are lava zones, earthquake zones, tsunami zones and flood zones.
They need only be updated and in turn, they can contribute to the development of a comprehensive map
showing potential hurricane zones and the island's history of coastal impacts. All of these zones can be
shown on one map.
With such mapping, the Council can make more informed decisions on land use; what type and at which
location to construct natural disaster shelters; and other measures relating to natural disasters.
By following Hawaii County's lead, the other counties can also develop similar mapping and planning
strategies. Hopefully, the state will then follow the counties so that we can all have a plan to prepare for
natural disasters, rather than be prepared to respond to a natural disaster — before it is too late.
I have also attached a copy of the Hawaii Ocean View Estates (HOVE) Natural Disaster Plan. I do not
know if this well- conceived plan is still in effect. Nevertheless, every community should have a plan
similar to the one developed by HOVE.
I am available to answer question and thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Herkes.
Island Chain of Disasters
Ilawaii has the most
diverse types of
natural disasters of all
the states in the nation.
It is critical that
I- Ian\ aii be aggressive
in dealing «ith natural
disasters.
•Hurricane
•Tsunami
•l load
•Earth Quake
•Volcanic 1:ruption
• l ornado. water Spouts
No other state in the nation is as subject to the diversity of natural disasters as
Hawaii. This is not an enviable statistic, but an important one. it is critical that Hawaii
be aggressive in dealing with natural disasters.
Mindsets Concerning Natural
Disasters
• Prepare to respond to an event; and
• Prepare for the event before it
occurs.
There are two mindsets concerning Natural Disasters. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the Hawaii State Civil Defense are prepared to respond to
the event. There is another mindset and that is to prepare for the event before it
occurs,
There is no question that it is important to be prepared to respond to the event
before, during and after it occurs. However, it's also important to be prepared for any
event before it happens and as much as technology, financing and human resources
allow.
awn.): arVai ...a 2'2a a'a is
A't S qs 255 375 550
Hurricarva FELICIA
Wainasaaa, taigas; 5.
2 FM PD 7 2.1-wisat7
74172 t5kEtt_551555,5s. 5.555
maw 3asana-a..3.4aa 72a aaa
,a555 /55
•
R5e5.55.
/54-5.-A .7•5^—Me
2.55555555
5 55.555 555.-
555 ir,11,
5......(5.55.1 550
L7s, Paula. 05 5
f 53
The probable
path,, frequency
and intensity of
hurricanes can be
mapped but has
er been
e\ten,"i‘ el% done
in Ila\Naii.
5 3533 533
Hurricanes: Hawaii is obsessed with hurricanes. The recent attention given to
Hurricane Felicia is an example. The probable paths, frequency and intensity of
hurricanes can be mapped but has never been done in Hawaii, yet it should be. There
are some flood zone maps but their accuracy is in question. There are no maps for
disasters such as waterspouts and tornados, mud slides, and rock falls as well as
danger from reservoir breach.
4
.T.
...)
r
"."
V"•••• •••••
,....'" • -
.•-• 7.1
. - •••••
4....• ..•••• r'-'
,..) 7; ■--,
,-.•
',.... -...... ,--
...,
72
r-, ..-•
-1---,
...) .•-• ■
:1-' r--■ :....
,- 11
...:,.:,
7, .....
-, 4-.■
,-..
'''.:'-' .■-■ - •-- ...I
r rr
1.." .."" ,..,
V
V ....1
r-, ..--,
'...)
..--, 1)
..,-; .•...-, 1) ....,
4f)
Prepare Prior to an Event
•Haw.aii should identify all natural disaster
impact zones \\ ith some degree of
probability and intensity.
-Natural disasters should be incorporated into
a single map so that everyone \\ould kno\\
\\ hat potential danger they may be exposed
to.
So what do we mean that we should be prepared for the event before it occurs?
Several years ago, Representatives Kenneth Ito and Robert Herkes held a meeting
with University of Hawaii professors knowledgeable of issues related to natural
disasters such as meteorology and geology. We also invited representatives from the
State Civil Defense and the financial, real estate, and insurance markets in Hawaii.
The professors argued that, as a first step, Hawaii should identify all natural disaster
impact zones with some degree of probability and intensity. Under questioning, the
professors convinced those present that modem technology is able to do this and, as
of this date, much of the information has been developed.
The professors argued that all natural disasters should be incorporated into a single
map so that everyone would know what potential danger they may be exposed to.
The realtors at the meeting agreed and said that this information should be on every
real estate listing. The insurance industry representative also agreed and suggested
that this would give them the opportunity to price based upon risk. The financial
industry spokesperson said it would be helpful to know what risk they would be
lending on.
Develop Accurate Maps
• Accurate topographical maps W ould help
scientist develop accurate maps for
hurricane impacts.
• Flood and lava zones W ou d be more
accurate based upon better maps.
'.41 Z•f, ' •"1, e-
Accurate topographical maps would help scientist develop accurate maps for
hurricane impacts. Food and lava zones would be more accurate based upon better
maps.
Accurate flood maps based upon topographical and rainfall information must be
developed and the mediating measures should be developed. Elevations on maps
would be helpful in dealing with the long-term impacts of global warming and rising
sea levels.
7
Importance of Mapping
• Land Use Consideration;
• Building Codes Based on Risk;
• Disaster Shelter Placement.
VAIC
OKAY
tU
LANA-fp
2B
,./ruxoetlext
53 iatts
HAWAII
mup -1997 I-1;41AM' i Seismic Zoe 3/4.s.sig-aftwots
What then do we do with the information?
Land use: These maps would be important when dealing with proposed
developments. Should a development be approved in areas with high risk
from lava, tsunami, hurricanes, or rising sea levels and further without a
supporting community or building code requirements? Why was anyone
living downstream from Koloko dam for example?
Building Codes: Building codes should reflect potential risks. Despite a lack of
reliable, evidence based information, the Legislature has authorized tax
credits for hurricane clips regardless of location in the State. Why offer tax
credits for hurricane dips in areas with a very low probability of a hurricane or
tax credits earthquake hardening on Kauai. We have not learned from New
Orleans or Houston about the danger of high-rise glass. No effort has been
made to try to harden glass on high-rise buildings in Waikiki or Honolulu.
Disaster Shelters: Design and refit of natural disaster shelters should be based
upon the potential disaster impact.
Better Risk Assessment
• Insurance: Insurance rates should be based
on an accurate assessment of risk: and
• Financial: Lenders x‘ould have a better idea
of risk based upon risk maps.
Insurance: Insurance rates should be based on an accurate assessment of
risk. Absent restrictive land use laws, should a structure built in a very high-
risk zone be allowed to have insurance?
Financial: Lenders would have a better idea of risk based upon risk maps.
Developing Enabling Legislation
During the 2009 Legislative Session, a
number of bills were introduced that dealt
with natural disasters in the face of increased
occurrences due to global vv arming.
During the 2009 Legislative Session, a number of bills were introduced that dealt with
natural disasters in terms of increased global warming, etc. The problem is that none
of these bills dealt with an overall perspective of the impact of natural disasters.
10
Disaster Preparedness Commission
The House of
Representatives
introduced 1-louse
Bill 990 during the
2009 Leoislatix es.
Session.
•
441,4Z7 14,t.
2 7."'
'OW -
40f.x. .A.1.-fh
The State House of Representatives introduced legislation to address these issues.
Session after session it is approved by the House and fails in the Senate. There is
currently a watered down version that stalled in the Senate Ways and Means
Committee.
What does the bill call for as introduced?
"Establishes the Office of Director of Disaster Preparedness and a Disaster
Preparedness Commission to develop a disaster preparedness plan for Hawaii that
includes the identification of hazards and hazard impact zones, disaster mitigation
policies, requirements, and incentives, and best responses!'
....,
r, • r—,
V 1.1
r—,
r. ....4
'..-.; 1-
—
.... :...,s
-...) e- ,--•
.---■
:A 1..) ....
e•-■ r"-■
,.......
.,.., .--.1 ,•-■ *.-■ ?
^-. r•-• ....)
..• ■ ,.—. I,..)
s—,
t
li
• "— ..—, r-.
r, V`
....0 ;•—■ ' ... r''
1., , , . ... • •—•
..... ,..11
....., I) ■•'-+ 7:
,.....• 7::,' "--' ,....., ........ .
.--. ',...) .....
• ,... ,.— :7,1 !..) `-''
01) .'.t ,—. • r. .1-4
r•-• S ,,, ,..,-; '-
e-
— .,.., ...., ,..,
■•••• 4—, • "—• r-, .-
,.., ..../ ,,_, ...., ,...... 10-.
,--,
'.....■ ..., n:,,
. ,— • r—, ,-,
• r.„...., • .., '1.1
.•.? ..... r—r; ro, -----' <''' '''
,..., ...., ., •--0
0 • •
HUR1RICANES IN FIAWAII
http://wwwsoest.hawaii.edttIMETSFacultylbusingeriposierit-tum.,
HURRICANES
In Hawaii
HURRICANES form in areas of enhanced thunderstomis over warm, tropical
oceans and are the most destructive storms on Earth (Figure 1). The destructive
fury of hurricanes comes from a combination of high winds, heavy rains, and
abnormally high waves and storm tides. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history
occurred in Galveston, Texas in 1900 when an estimated 6000 people perished.
One of the costliest natural disasters ever to hit the U.S. was Hurricane Andrew,
which resulted in more than $30 billion in losses and 53 related deaths. In the
western North Pacific, the storms that annually threaten the Philippines and Japan
are called typhoons. Over the Indian Ocean the same type of storm is called a
cyclone. In 1970 more than 300.000 people lost their lives in a storm surge and
tide that struck Bangladesh. A storm surge is a rise in the level of the sea caused
by effects of wind and low atmospheric pressure on the ocean.
-,Yealr •
Figure 1: High resolution infrared image of
Hurricane Iniki making landfall on Kauai at 3:15
PM HST on 11 September 1992. The image was
taken by a NOAA polar orbiting satellite -500
mile above the Earth.
(Click on image to see full size)
Hurricanes in Hawaii: Hurricanes are relatively rare events in the Hawaiian
Islands. Records show that strong wind storms have struck all major islands in
the Hawaiian Island chain since the beginning of history. The first officially
recognized hurricane in Hawaiian waters was Hurricane Hiki in August of 1950.
The identification of tropical cyclones improved with increased commerce and
aircraft activity following WWII and improved dramatically with the launch of
the TIROS 1 weather satellite in April of 1960 (Figure 2).
Figure 2: All tropical cyclone tracks passing
within —200 miles of the coast of the Islands
i
CT
959
7992
1 of() 71;1111 10:50 AM
HURkICANES IN HAWAII
T,
hitp://w NV W.S0eS t..hawaii.edulMETIFar ullyibusingerSposterihlirr„.
of Hawaii during the period 1949 to 1997.
, -
Prior to 1950, a general lack of wind data ,;,,
- INIKI'N,N
has resulted in a sketchy record. From 1832.
to 1949 only 19 tropical cyclones were
identified from scattered written records al d
ship reports.
(Click on image to see full size)
DOT
195g
Since 1950 five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused serious damage in
Hawaii. Hurricane Nina (1957) produced record winds in Honolulu. Hurricane
Dot (1959) caused damage to Kauai. Hurricane Estelle (1986) produced very
high surf on Hawaii and Maui and floods on Oahu. Kauai also received the brunt
of Hurricane Iwa, which struck on 23 November 1982 and produced an
estimated $234 million in damage.
The destructive force of hurricanes in Hawaii was powerfully demonstrated on 11
September 1992 when Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kauai with sustained
winds of 130 mph and caused over $2.3 billion in property damage (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Sheets of roofing iron, a pallet., broken
.11 plants and other debris fly through the air at the
height of Hurricane Iniki in Lihue, Kauai (Photo
by Bruce Asato, courtesy of the Honolulu
Advertiser).
(Click on image to see full size)
Anatomy of a Hurricane: The core of a hurricane is characterized by a
small central region known as the eye, within which the winds are light and there
are few clouds. Winds increase rapidly as one moves out of the eye and into a
surrounding ring of thunderstorms referred to as the eye wall (Figure 4). The
winds in a hurricane are a maximum near the surface and decrease with height. In
the Northern Hemisphere. a hurricane's circulation includes low pressure and
counter-clockwise inflow at the surface, and high pressure and clockwise outflow
at upper levels (Figure 5). The overall diameter of the hurricane circulation is
typically between 300 and 600 miles.
‘„ Figure 4: Schematic c showing path and destructive
2 of 6 7/11/11 10:50 AM
HURRICANE
http://w w_soest.hawaii.edulMET1Facultylbusi age riposter/hurr,..
- 1 elements of Hurricane Iniki across Kauai.
Hurricanes impact Hawaii through the combined
effects of strong winds, possible tornadoes,
torrential rains, and elevated tides and large waves
on coastal and inland areas. These destructive
forces are magnified on the right side of the eye
wall when facing in the direction in which the hurricane is moving.
(Click on image to see full size)
wind shear, hurricanes typica
(Click on image to see full size)
Figure 5: Conceptual diagram
showing the internal structure and
circulation of a mature hurricane.
(From NOAA, Hurricane,
Washington, DC: Superintendent of
Documents, 1977) Given a source
of moisture from a warm ocean
surface and a lack of destructive
last for a week to 10 days.
Hurricane Formation: The necessary conditions for one of the numerous
convective disturbances over the tropical oceans to intensify into a hurricane are
related to the wind field's ability to produce and concentrate warm air. Warm air
is less dense than cold air leading to low surface pressure. As the wind strength
increases over a warm ocean surface, the flux of heat and moisture also increases
and a cycle of intensification results. Only one in ten tropical disturbances (winds
up to 38 mph) develops into a tropical storm (winds 39 to 74 mph), but fully
seven in ten tropical storms do develop into hurricanes (winds >74 mph),
Together these storms are referred to as tropical cyclones.
There are five prerequisites for hurricane formation that are related to the
formation of the warm core in the hurricane. (1) Warm ocean water with
temperature. more than 80°F (26°C) to a depth of -100 feet (50 m), so that cooler
water cannot easily be mixed to the surface by winds. (2) Unstable atmosphere
characterized by enhanced thunderstorm activity. Latent heat is released
efficiently in the updrafts of deep clouds. (3) High relative humidity in the middle
troposphere; moist air weighs less than dry air, making it buoyant and
3 of 6 7/11/11 10:50 AM
HURRICANES IN HAWAII http://www.soest.hawz-tii.edulMETSFacultribusingeriposterthurr....
contributing to lower surface pressure. (4) A pre-existing disturbance with
cyclonic circulation; as the air in the disturbance converges, angular momentum
is conserved and the wind speed increases. (5) Small wind shear or little change
in the wind speed or direction with height in the vicinity of the developing storm
so that warm air is concentrated over one area and not blown apart by the winds.
When a hurricane moves over land or cold water, the supply of energy is reduced,
and the wind speeds diminish.. Over land, frictional forces also act to weaken the
storm.
'racks at Cintrld Pacific kurrw.spets mn /949 la 1998 11, re 6: Tracks of all Central Pacific
a •V.
hurricanes from 1949 to 1997. Track
segments for hurricanes of category 3
are shown in red. August mean
positions of areas of warm (>83°F) and
cool ocean water (80°F is minimum
SST for hurricane formation) are
indicated by shading. August mean
- -
MOM WW1 VAVRMER mem OVER wind conditions at the surface are
. .
indicated by arrows and the 1016 mb
contour of constant sea-level pressure (isobar). August mean wind conditions
aloft are indicated by the 200 mb ridge line that separates easterly from
westerly flow aloft (arrows) . Most of these storms (-70% ) farm over the
eastern Pacific and pass into the central Pacific from the east. The mean
storm track follows parallel to the summer mean sea-lev el pressure contours
(isobar) and stays over warm water.
(Click on image to see full size)
MANSE SCAN COOLER
OCEAN WAWA ea
The climatology of hurricane tracks over the central Pacific shows a mean track
passing to the south of the Hawaiian Islands (Figure 6) and a maximum
hurricane occurrence during the late summer when the ocean surface is warmest
(Figure 7). Storms that approach the Hawaiian Islands from due east have
historically weakened east of Hawaii under the combined influence of
unfavorable westerly wind conditions aloft, resulting in large wind shear and
cooler sea-surface temperatures. However, natural variability in the circulation of
the ocean and atmosphere has allowed potentially destructive depressions and
tropical storms to reach Hawaii from the east since 1950 (Figure 2), and there is
historical evidence of one early hurricane (1871) that approached from the east
and impacted the islands of Hawaii and Maui. Hurricanes Dot, lwa. and Iniki all
approached from the south and passed near Kauai. This unusual track requires a
breakdown of the semi-permanent ridge of high pressure to the north of the
islands, which occurs when a trough of low pressure in the rnidlatitude westerlies
4 of 6 7/11/11 10:50 AM
HURMICANES IN VAR harliww wsoest ,edulMETSFacultylbusinger/posteril um..
approaches the island chain from the northwest. Such troughs are generally
confined to higher latitudes, except in winter.
Figure 7: Monthly climatology of hurricane
occurrence in the Central Pacific. The peak in
hurricane activity is in late summer when ocean
temperatures are warmest.
(Click on the image to see full size)
- e,ita Pactho Hurricane Occ:unence
Figure 8 Destruction in the wake of
Hurricane Iniki. (Photo by Charles
Fletcher).
(Click on the image to see full size)
Hurricane Impact in Hawaii: The
potential for property damage in Hawaii is increased because of the numerous
lightly constructed buildings and dwellings (Figure 8), Flying debris from these
structures and airborne vegetation increase the potential for serious damage to
neighboring properties and utility lines (Figure 3). Hawaii's topography ftmnels
and amplifies the tropical cyclone winds across ridges and through island
channels. The terrain in Hawaii also focuses torrential rains on mountain slopes,
resulting in destructive flash floods and landslides. For these reasons, even a
relatively weak tropical storm can potentially result in considerable property
damage and losses if it makes a direct hit on populated Oahu.
Iniki and Iwa. the storm surge and wave action had a dramatic impact on the
south shore of Kauai, resulting in a total loss of numerous coastal properties and
significant damage to waterfront roads and other coastal infrastructure (Figure 9).
Figure 9 Large wave generated by
Hurricane Fernanda impacting Koko
Head, Oahu, September 1993 (Photo by
Steven Businger). Fernanda caused major
erosion on Oahu.
(Click on image to see full size)
5 of 6 7/11/11 10:50 AM
HURRICANES IN HAWAII hit p:ilw wsoest.hawaii.eduiMETiFacu tyibusingeriposter/Intrr...
Hurricane Hazard Mitigation: When a hurricane is approaching a coastal
location, early evacuation to higher ground of those people susceptible to the
destructive force of the storm surge is essential. The National Weather Service
provides important guidance to emergency managers by issuing hurricane.
advisories. Generally, the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch
when there is a possibility of landfall within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is
issued when landfall is likely within 12 to 24 hours. For information regarding
how to prepare for the hurricane season and how to respond to warnings of an
approachiing storm please contact the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC),
2525 Correa Road, Suite 250, Honolulu, HI 96822, (08) 973-5270,
www.nws.noaa.gov/prihnlf. For access to related NOAA publications and
brochures go to www.nws.noaa.gov/om/. Up-to-date weather information for the
Pacific is available at the UH Meteorology Department homepage at
lumahai .soest.hawaii .edu,
Homeowners in Hawaii can help themselves by making their homes and
buildings less susceptible to damage by hurricanes and windstoniis. Information
on how this can be done appears in a brochure entitled "Hurricanes in Hawaii:
What are the Risks of Damage? What can Horne Owners do to Reduce their
Risks?" available from the Hurricane Relief Fund, P.O. Box 541, Honolulu,
Hawaii 96809, telephone (808) 586-3100.
his poster was developed for the Hurricanes and Extreme Weather
Phenomena Symposium presented by the Center for the Study of Active
Volcanoes and sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under cooperative
agreement NA67RJ0154, and the COMET program (UCAR S98-87020).
13t- Steven Businger
Department of Meteorol ogy
University of Hawaii
2525 Correa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Web lavout bv Ray Tanabe - 25 September 1998
6 of 6 7/11 /11 1 0:50 AM
FigLinikijpg OPES Lage436437 ph.ds )
ht I p: iSw .sclest _haw i uhMETSFac 1111)11)i:sin gerlpo s e It rr...
•
25 N
20 N
1 uf 1 7/11/11 10:49 AM
Fi,3.6Lail_inicks,gif (Gil= image, 542,356 piels)
Tracks of Contra Pacific Hurricanes from 1949 to 1998
litipliwww.soestlawaii..edta 1FacultylbitsingeriposeriftUrr...
Cateipty
f.,:atewty 3
AUGUST MEAN COOLER
OCEAN WATER so F
AUGUST MEAN VARNER OCEAN WATER 33T
1 of 1 7111/11 10:48 AM
Fig2LiraeLs.gil (GIF Irna e 448x402 pixels)
2 5
1 of 1
ht tp:Slyv wcs hiiwai.edus4E17Faculi\/bilsinger/posEer/hurr..
N INA
1957
1WA
1982
DOT
1959
HIKI
1950
IN IK
1992
Ili A
2
••■•.
••••.
NINA
1957
INIKI
1992
aireassraw. #1`;1,
Own* emir T ,"(j& CZI m
°— Tc;c ai :114,41,q4S-S,D11 Cr
2'2 rl& ,ztrtge trOt'l °CAS'.
Ft6tArte-
DOT
1959
7/11/11 10:46 A M
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION, INC
PO BOX 6016, 92 -8924 Leilani Circle
Ocean View, HI 96737 -6016
Phone: (808) 939 -7033 Fax: (808) 939 -9104
January 26, 2007
Representative Robert N. Herkes
State of Hawaii
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Aloha Representative Herkes,
We appreciate your interest in our program and our community disaster needs. Enclosed is a copy of the proposal
submitted to the Hawaii Community Foundation (Mo'Bettah Together Program Grant for 2006) as well as
Engineer /Architects building review statement/recommendations. The community of Ocean View has also had a
"Community Wildfire Protection Plan" drawn -up by Denise Latinen of Fire Wise Hawaii (copy enclosed). The
CWPP gives our community a more comprehensive view of our vulnerability to fire and the management of same.
Our meetings (last meeting held in November '06) have brought together community organizations, churches and
individuals interested in tackling those most evident problems that arise in the event of disasters . Ocean View is
unique in its rural location, as isolation from emergency services in the event of a disaster, are seriously profound.
We recognize the fact that our community MUST be prepared to sustain its population of over 5,000 residents for a
minimum of 3 days to the possible maximum of 3 weeks. Shelter for residents as well as tourists must be
considered for approximately 1/3 of our population. If there is not sufficient shelter then we must have a supply of
tents, cots and blankets. Emergency food and water must be stored and provided. The only building that could been
deemed a shelter (OV Community Center) does not meet even the most basic of standards — and shall be utilized for
the storage and distribution of emergency supplies, food and water.
It is our hope that the State of Hawaii will join County and Federal agencies in our endeavor to bring together a
shelter that our community can utilize in the event of a disaster. I believe with your assistance, Ocean View's
Community Disaster Plan can lay the ground work for other communities and can stand as an example. It is the
responsibility of individuals, community leaders, County, State and lastly the Federal government — as in a pyramid,
to recognize their vulnerabilities and assets.
On behalf of Ocean View, I extend our gratitude for your interest in our endeavors.
Most sincerely,
Evelyn (Evie) O. Gonzales, hairperson
Ocean View Community Disaster Plan
PO Box 6048
Ocean View, HI 96737 -6048
(808)939 -9410
evieogonzales@hotmail.com
A 501(C) (3) Community Based Organization
Mo' Bettah Together
Program 2006 Coversheet
Print or T
•l ;
HAWAII COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
1. Organization submitting request
(Ifyou will be using a focal sponsor that is a 501(c)3 tax- exempt organization, you must also complete Section 4. )
Organization: Ocean View Community Association
Address: PO Box 6016 Phone: (808) 939 -7033
Ocean View, HI 96737 Fax: (808) 939 -9104
Website: www.fastnethicom /ovca Email: ovca @fastnethicom
2. Organization's Chief Staff or Volunteer
Name: Gerald Holleman Phone: (808) 939 -7033
Tide: Chair - Strategic Planning Fax: (808) 939 -9104
Email• ovca @fastnethicom
3. Contact for this request (f dierent from chief staff or volunteer)
Name: Title:
Address: Phone:
Fax:
Email-
4. Organization Information
Is your organization a tax- exempt 501(c)(3)?
letter if you are a first -time applicant to HCF.
for this project? Yes ❑ No ❑
for requests over $5,000 if not a 501 (c)(3))
about the sponsor. If sponsor is a first -time applicant
letter.
Yes /IL If yes, submit a copy of your IRS determination
No ❑ If no, will you have a fiscal sponsor
(Note: Fiscal sponsorship is required
If using a fiscal sponsor, please- provide information
to HCF, submit a copy of its 501(c)(3)-determination
Fiscal Organization:
Address: Phone:
Fax:
Contact
Name: Title:
Phone: Email:
5. _,Pro3ectlnformation
Indicate which program you are applying to: (Check only one)
Collaboration ❑Community Action Planning
with, a community -based disaster response strategy.
Community
Project purpose (one sentence): Create, and familiarize residents
Amount requested $40,000.00
Duration of Project: 12 (months)
1 'Lanai ❑Kauai (Statewide
Project Location: ❑Oahu A, Hawaii ❑Maui nMolokai
(continued)
4/10/2006
4/10/2006
Signatures For aproject to be successful in creating and strengthening community capacity, it will require
commitment and collaboration from more than one person.. At least five members of the leadership group must
sign this proposal. This leadership group will share responsibility of the project
Submitting
Organization: Ocean View Community Association
Print or type name
Chair - Strategic PJannin«
4/10/06
Signature of Chief Person (Paid or Volunteer)
Gerald Holleman
Title
Date
4/10/06
Print or type Name
President
Signature of Board President/Chair
Evelyn O. Gonzales
Title
Date
Print or type Name
Fiscal Sponsor (if
applicable):
Print or type name
Authorized signature of Fiscal Organization
Title
Date
Print or type name
Signatures of Other Members of the Leadership Group:
HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation
4/10/06
Signature
Meleana Smith
Group /Role
Date
4/10/06
Print or type name
Hawaiian Ranchos Road Mainrtenance Corp.
Signature
Ted Whip
Group /Role
Date
4/10/06
Print or type name
Kona Gardens Community Association
Signature
Gerald Holleman
Group /Role
Date
Print or type name
4/10/2006
Proposal for a Community Collaboration Grant
Submitted by Ocean View Community Association
Executive Summary
Ocean View Community Association in collaboration with H. waiian Ocean View Estates
Road Maintenance Corporation, Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corporation,
Kona Gardens Community Association and other communityassociations, organizations,
Churches and individuals have come together because of concerns for the lack of disaster
preparedness.
The vulnerability to natural disaster and remoteness of our community's location make it
prudent that those concerns be addressed. After a number of community meetings
identifying issues of concern, a special meeting was held on April 4, 2006. Twenty -one
representatives of community -based organizations, service providers and residents
decided that Ocean View Community Association would lead a project to deal with the
issue of disaster preparedness. We have received the commitment and support of these
organizations and OVCA will implement this project. Some of the major tasks are
described below. See the full proposal for a more complete description of tasks and
deliverables.
Ocean View Community Association will create a database, to include all residents of
Ocean View, with the assistance of Hawaiian Ranchos Community Association, Kona
Gardens Community Association and Kula Kai Community Association. A procedure to
be developed that will ensure timely updates of the database.
With the assistance of HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation and Hawaiian Ranchos
Road Maintenance Corporation, OVCA will create a database of all roads, and residents.
OVCA will develop maps with legends describing location of residents with special
needs, buildings suitable for shelter or storage with a procedure to ensure current
information.
With the assistance of Ocean View Senior Citizen Association, OVCA will acquire
names and physical addresses of all seniors residing in the Ocean View community,
detailing those seniors with medical needs, doctor names, family contacts.
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch will assist OVCA in developing an inventory of
community assets to be used in an emergency situation. The OVCA community center
will receive special attention, including professional inspection and recommendations for
hardening the facility to bring it up to shelter standards.
With the assistance of County Civil Defense, OVCA will compile information to be
distributed to all residents detailing emergency procedures
Proposal for a Community Collaboration Grant
Submitted by Ocean View Community Association
Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategy
The Community of Ocean View
Ocean View, located in the Ka'u District of the Island of Hawaii, is a large community comprised of several
residential subdivisions and a small commercial district. Ocean View is approximately 44 miles from Kailua-
Kona, 78 miles from Hilo, 24 miles from Pahala, and more than 14 miles from Na'alehu. The Pacific Ocean
is about six miles from Highway 11, which runs through Ocean View. Census 2000 lists the community's
population as 2,178 and the median household income as $26,125. The real estate boom of the past two
years has brought rapid development and population growth to O :: can View.
Ocean View is situated on and adjacent to the southwest rift zone < >f Mauna Loa. This area is classified as
Zones 1 and 2 on Mauna Loa's lava flow hazard map. Zone 1 includes the summit region and the recently
active parts of the rift zones. Zone 2 consists of areas on both sides of the northeast and southwest rift
zones. All the areas in Zone 2 are down slope of potential eruption sites. About 20 percent of this area has
been covered by lava in historical time; five percent since 1950. Since 1900, Mauna Loa has erupted 15
times, with eruptions lasting from a few hours to 145 days. The most recent eruption occurred in 1984.
The Applicant
Ocean View Community Association (OVCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been designated by
the project leadership group as the lead agency and grant applicant. OVCA has advocated for residents and
property owners of the Kahuku ahupua'a for more than 35 years. It organized the original Ocean View
Volunteer Fire Department; helped establish Kahuku Park; and obtained grant funding for first responder
kits for volunteer firemen, first aid kits for the fire department, a fully equipped Advanced Life Support
ambulance to be stationed in Ocean View, and five defibrillators for the ambulance, fire trucks, fire station,
and community center.
Participating Organizations
In addition to OVCA, participating organizations include Ocean View Chamber of Commerce, St. Jude
Episcopal Church, Kona Community Hospital, Ocean View Family Health Clinic, Ocean View
Neighborhood Watch, Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HOVE
Road Maintenance Corporation, Friends of Kahuku Park, Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Divine Faith
Ministries, Hana Like, Red Cross, Ocean View Evangelical Church, Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance
Corp., Kona Gardens Community Association, Kahuku Congregational Church and Hawaii County Civil
Defense, Fire, and Police.
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and HOVE Road Maintenance
Corporation are known to be working on emergency response plans of their own. Rick Ward, ham radio
network coordinator for Amateur Radio Emergency Services, who lives in Ocean View, is organizing all
ham radio operators from Kailua -Kona to Hilo to provide emergency communications services. All
participating organizations have pledged assistance to identify useful community assets and residents with
special needs; to inform their members and communities of interest of meetings and project progress; and
to distribute products of the project, such as educational materials and emergency kits.
Community Issue or Concern to be Addressed
On February 7 and 8, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a "Creating Vigilant,
Prepared and Resilient Community for Homeland Security" training course for 31 Ocean View residents.
DHS selected one rural community in all 50 states for this pilot program; they chose Ocean View over all
applicants in Hawaii for its track record of successful community projects and its susceptibility to natural
disasters. During the course, the instructor asked what residents would do in the event of a 7.9 magnitude
earthquake that ruptured Highway 11 on both sides of the community, followed immediately by a lava flow
1
4/10/2006
from Mauna Loa. This training was soon followed by extensive rains and flooding in March 2006, which for
one day flooded Highway 11 in Na alehu and cut off access to Ocean View's designated county disaster
shelter in Pahala. Residents also remember several hurricanes that passed just south of the Big Island, and
are aware that any one could have struck Ocean View. These events and Ocean View's remote location
caused community leaders to realize residents could be trapped in the community and isolated from
assistance. Even the, ocean, although fairly close, provides no esc:re route, as there is no access road to it,
no dock, and no safe entry point.
Adding to Ocean View's vulnerability is a total lack of qualified she rs in the community. St. Jude
Episcopal and Ocean View Evangelical Churches are designated Re< Cross centers, but their glass walls, like
the Ocean View Community Center, make them unsuitable as design ited disaster shelters. Community
leaders are especially concerned about the safety of residents wi h m '_ical needs such as dialysis; shut -ins
who may need assistance during evacuation; a large population of M: t:laa!1cse immigrants, many of whom
do not speak English; and the many homeless persons forced = =ut of urbanized areas, who may be difficult
to locate and inform during an emergency.
Given Ocean View's vulnerability and remote location, community leaders are proactively seeking to
increase the community's self - sufficiency with respect to disaster preparedness and response. The need was
underscored by contact with Troy Kindred, Hawaii County Civil Defense Coordinator, who indicated the
county does not have an emergency plan for Ocean View and encouraged the community to develop its
own disaster preparedness and response strategy.
Planning and Preparation for This Project
The following activities have contributed to the community's readiness to undertake this project.
• A group of residents completed the Department of Homeland Security training described above.
• An OVCA representative met with and received support from the county civil defense administrator.
• OVCA sponsored a community meeting at which participants identified issues of concern and voted
disaster preparedness as the most urgent issue.
• Twenty -one residents and representatives of community -based organizations and service providers
attended an organizational meeting on April 4.
Project Description (activities & timeline)
The goal of the Ocean View Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategy Project is to ensure that every
resident knows what to do in any emergency situation, and that resources are available to support the short
term needs of all residents in any emergency. The leadership group will undertake the following tasks during
the course of the 12 -month project period:
Task 1A: Identify key stakeholders, both internal and external, who need to be involved in and /or informed
about the project and ongoing implementation beyond the grant period.
Task 1B: Assign responsibilities for informing key stakeholders about the project.
Task 1C: Inform key stakeholders about the project and develop agreements for their participation in this
project and future implementation activities as appropriate.
Task 2A: Identify individuals and groups within the community who have special needs or circumstances
which may impede their ability to respond appropriately and in a timely manner during a disaster
situation. Obtain detailed information about these individuals and groups and their needs and
circumstances.
Task 2B: Develop a strategy and assign responsibilities for assisting these individuals and groups during an
emergency.
Task 2C: Create an electronic database for storing and maintaining the information.
Task 3A: Inventory community assets which may be useful in emergency situations, including skills,
knowledge, services, buildings, equipment, and natural features.
Task 3B: Create an electronic database for storing and maintaining the assets inventory.
2 4!10!2005
Task 3C: Develop a procedure for keeping the assets data?. current.
Task 4A: Obtain the services of professional consultants wt., ill: 1) inspect the OVCA community center
and make recommendations for hardening and eq:_ ,ing it as an emergency shelter, 2) make
recommendations for stockpiling emergency provi< is, and 3) inspect community infrastructure
and layout and make recommendations for providii ,. --1,Aw or hardening existing community
infrastructure and equipment needed for emergency : .onse, and emergency evacuation routes.
Task 4B: Draft a request for proposals for design services redus i _ <' to implement the professional
recommendations for hardening the community center, be issued upon receipt of funding for
design services.
Task 5: Design and establish a communications network, includnnc_ a signal system to supplement
ineffective county sirens. The signal system will be modele..i after systems known to be used in
other communities or in hazardous industries, and ma' en ioy air horns or similar devices and
codes. Incorporate local ham radio operators into th con mica network.
Task 6: Produce educational materials in English and other s .propriate languages designed to inform
residents of known hazards and recommend approp: ;ate responses, including emergency
reference cards listing emergency communications signals. Distribute materials to all residents.
Task 7: Inventory potential resource providers and develop a strategy for requesting assistance for
projects requiring resources beyond the scope of this project, such as actually hardening and
equipping the community center.
Pro
ect Timeline
Tasks Month .--*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1A: Iden: ' stakeholders
---------�-
1B: Stakeholder liaisons
1C: Inform stakeholders
2A: Iden i , s • ecial needs residents
2B:'Strate3, for assistance
------�-
2C: S .ecial needs database
3A: Assets invento
-_�
3B: Assets database
-�-
3C: Database u. date • rocedure
--�-�-�i-
4A: Consultant ins • ections /r - • orts
4B: Des.! . services RFP
------
_��_
5: Communications network
6: Educational materials
7:Additional resources
Community Involvement
The leadership group from the April 4 meeting agreed to meet once or twice per month until project
completion. Several persons who were unable to attend that meeting pledged support for the project and
said they would attend future meetings. Ultimately, the project will involve every resident of the Ocean View
community. The leadership group is committed to attainment of the project goal stated above. This will
require the involvement of every resident. Most of the labor for this project will be donated by the many
active and civic - minded volunteers in our community.
Communications within the Ocean View community are well established. Many community leaders and
activists are affiliated with multiple organizations, ensuring cross communications. OCVA distributes a
bimonthly newsletter to its membership of over 500 residents. Community events, such as OVCA's monthly
3 4/10/2006
pancake breakfast also facilitate communications within the mmunity. Telephone trees, mass e- mails,
flyers, paid ads, and balk mailings will be used as appropriate t facilitate progress. OVCA will be
responsible for ensuring that external audiences are invited top:- ticipate at appropriate stages of the project,
and that they are informed regularly of progress.
Tangible Outcomes and Products (Project Deliverables)
The project leadership group has identified the followint outcomes and products for this project
• A list of key stakeholders, both internal and external, who need to be involved in and /or informed about
the project and ongoing implementation beyond the grant period. An agreement with each stakeholder
outlining the stakeholder's roles and responsibilities.
• An electronic database of community residents with special needs such as medical problems that require
regular treatment, assistance during community evacuation, translation, etc. The database will include
contact information, location, types of assistance to be rendered in different situations, and the
responsible service provider(s).
• A procedure, known to every resident, for submitting and updating information about persons with
special needs.
• An electronic database containing an inventory of community assets which may be useful in an
emergency, including buildings potentially suitable for use as shelters or storage space, and
recommendations for preserving and enhancing those assets.
• A procedure for maintaining and updating the assets inventory.
• Professional recommendations for. 1) hardening and equipping the OVCA community center for use as
a public shelter, 2) stockpiles of emergency provisions, and 3) providing /hardening community
infrastructure and equipment needed for emergency response.
• A request for proposals for design services required to implement the professional recommendations for
hardening the community center, to be issued upon receipt of funding for design services.
• Establishment of a communications network, including a signal system to supplement ineffective county
sirens. The signal system will be modeled after systems known to be used in other communities or in
hazardous industries. The ham radio network mentioned above will also play a key role in the
communications network.
• Educational materials, including emergency reference cards, to be distributed to all residents.
• An inventory of potential resource providers and a strategy for requesting assistance for projects
requiring resources beyond the scope of this project, such as actually hardening and equipping the
community center.
• Progress reports to Hawaii Community Foundation at the end of each quarter of the grant period, and a
final report upon completion.
The most important outcome of this project will be that every resident of Ocean View will know what to do
in any emergency situation, and that the community either possesses the resources to meet the short term
needs of residents in an emergency, or is aware of resource deficiencies and has a strategy for eliminating
those deficiencies.
Measurement of Progress Towards Stated Outcomes
The tasks listed above will be further defined by subtasks, each of which will be assigned a measurable
benchmark. OVCA will task one of its officers or members as a project manager, who will be responsible
for monitoring project tasks, timelines, and benchmarks Any real or potential delays will be reported
immediately to the president of OVCA and the project leadership group, which will work with the entity
responsible for the affected task(s) to get the task(s) back on track. The project manager will report on the
status of all tasks at regular leadership group meetings, and in progress reports to the Foundation.
4
4/10/2006
Submitting Organization Name: Ocean View Community Association
PROJECT BUDGET FOB
1. In Column A, describe the expenses for your project. For example, list the expense for supplies,
equipment, outreach activities, mailings In Column B, indicate the amount you are requesting from
HCF. In Columns C and D, indicate under the appropriate fuming source any additional amounts that
will support that expense. In Column E, total the amount for each. expense. At the bottom of the table,
provide a total for each column.
A
B
Project Expense•
'
HCF
Request:
Othet funding
source:
In -Kind
contribution:
Total
Cost:
1. Consultant services
$25,000
$
$
$25,000
2. Postage and advertising
$4,000
$
$
$4,000
3. Office supplies
$1,000
$
$
$1,000
4. Printing and copying
$5,000
$
$
$5,000
5. Educational materials
$5,000
$
$
$5,000
6.
$
$
$
$
7.
$
$
$
$
8.
$
$
$
$
Total for each column:
$40,000
$
$
$40,000
2. Please identify the sources of funding for your project. Indicate the total amount of support from each
source and if the source is secured, pending, or in -kind. At the end of the table, total the amount. This
total should match the total cost of your project (Column E in the above table).
Funding Sources
Amount
Indicate if source is secured,
pending, or in -kind
1) HCF Mo' Bettah Together Program
$40,000
Pending
2)
$
3)
$
4)
$
5)
$
Total:
$40,000
4/10/2006
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - 20E BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Evelyn Gonzales, President
PO Box 6048
Ocean View, HI 96737
Bruce Coates, Vice- President
PO Box 7063, PMB 204
Ocean View, HI 96737
Margaret Watson, Secretary
PO Box 6916
Ocean View, HI 96737
Vickie Crosby, Treasurer
PO Box 821
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Madalyn McWhite - Lamson, Director
PO Box 6321
Ocean View, HI 96737
Mary Baumler, Director
PO Box 882
Na'alehu, HI 96772
Mike Taylor, Director
POJ3ox 6958
Ocean View, HI 96737
HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE CORPORATION
Meleana Smith, Office Manager
PO Box 6227
Ocean View, HI 96737
HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP.
Bob Barry, President
PO Box 6020
Ocean View, HI 96737
KONA GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Gerald Holleman, Vice - President
PO Bo 6916
Ocean View, 111 96737
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
COMPREHENSIVE DISASTER PLAN
ORGANIZATION FACTS
ORGANIZATION
DISASTER PLAN
STEPS TAKEN
SHELTER
AVAILABLE
WATER
GENERATOR
> GAS /Di SEL
KITCHEN
STOVE
HAM RADIO
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Yes
r-xtensive emergency
communications systems
Yes
Yes
Yes /Gas
Yes
Elect
Yes
Divine Faith Ministries
No
Nothing
No
No
Yes /Gas
No
No
Friends of Kahuku Park
No
Nothing
Yes (pavilion)
Yes
Yes
Portable
!Propane
No
Hana Like
Yes
Acquired Generator & Cell Phone
No
No
Yes /Gas
No
No
Not yet
Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park
Yes
Disaster /Fire Management
Hershberger, Dick (individual)
No
None
No
No
Yes /Gas
No
Yes
No
Kahuku Congretationai Church
Yes
Nothing Yet
No
No
Yes
No
Yes /Gas
No
Hawaiian Ocean View Seniors
No
None
No
No
No
No
No
No
H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp
No
None
No
Yes
Yes /Gas
No
No
Yes
Kona Community Hospital
Yes
Plan 3 -day sustainability
8 pers med tent
Soon
Soon
No
No
No
Morrow, Mike (individual)
No
Access to seismograph
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Ocean View Chamber of Commerce
No
None
No
No
No
No
No
No
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch
Yes
Wrote plan for Red Cross
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Dept
Yes
Amateur Radio Emerg Network
Yes
Yes
Yes /Gas
No
No
Yes
Ocean View Health Clinic
Yes
See Kona Community Hospital
Red Cross
Yes
Extensive
No
No
No
No
No
No
Saint Jude Episcopal Mission
Yes
Wk w /Red Cross, Shelter Location
No
Yes
Yes /Gas
Yes
Propane
No