The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is asking members of the public to help build a safer Hawaii.

The agency is now gathering public input for the state’s update to its Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Last published in 2018, the plan is used to guide work in the years ahead to reduce or eliminate the harm caused to Hawaii and its communities by flooding, hurricanes, wildfires and other hazards.

A series of in-person workshops is planned for early 2023.

“The meetings give the people of Hawaii a chance to see the hazards that are already mapped out in the plan and let us know about their mitigation and resilience priorities to address new or existing threats in their communities,” said Luke Meyers, HI-EMA administrator.

According to the agency, “Mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. Mitigation is taking action now, before the next disaster, to reduce human and financial consequences later. Effective mitigation requires that we all understand local risks, address the hard choices, and invest in long-term community well-being and resilience.”

The information in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan and similar county plans serves as a blueprint for future projects to protect Hawaii and make it more resilient to hazards.

To learn more about hazard mitigation and participate in the process, visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/sert-resources/hazard-mitigation/.