October 29, 2025 by emphi

2025 🚨

Aloha fellow EM Professionals:

We were afraid that our Halloween nomination deadline was scaring people away and that there just wasn’t enough time to concoct our witch’s brew to serve dinner on 11/11. So, we have postponed our annual dinner and board elections to December. This will keep our cadence of meeting on the second Tuesday of even months, with the annual dinner on Tuesday, December 9. We are excited to return to the waterfront location of the 604 Restaurant at Pearl Harbor.

Timeline

– Monday, November 24 – Registration deadline for annual dinner.

– Friday, November 28 “Black Friday” – Deadline for self-nominations for 2026 board.

– First week of December – Online voting for 2026 board members.

– Tuesday, December 9 – Annual Dinner at 604 Restaurant at Pearl Harbor.

Interested in running for an officer or director position?

Please email the following information to: empofhawaii@gmail.com

First and Last Name
Position you wish to serve
Short Bio (about you, why you want to serve on the Board)
Professional Photo of You

This info will be shared with our membership for their consideration of your candidacy.

Benefits for EMP-HI Board include:

1. Waiver of membership dues for the year you serve.

2. Professional contribution to the EM-field, which counts towards your Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification.

3. Build closer working relationships with your fellow EMP-HI board members and others throughout the community.

Job Expectations

All board members serve a one-year term which runs from January 1 – December 31. It is expected that all board members participate in monthly meetings on the 2nd Tuesday, which alternate between the general membership meetings and board meetings.

Officers

The President shall represent EMP-HI in a leadership capacity that best advances its interest and its membership. Among the President’s duties are providing support and direction to committees; representing EMP-HI at various functions and with other organizations; presiding at meetings of EMP-HI and its officers; authorizing expenditures within budget appropriations approved by the Board of Directors; and performing such other duties as required.
Vice President – The Vice President shall be the first assistant to the President. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence or incapacitation of the President and perform other duties as requested by the President. The Vice President shall be the chair of the elections committee, and shall hold annual elections, including special elections to replace any vacancies that exist in the board of directors.
Secretary -The Secretary shall maintain accurate records of the proceedings of all meetings of the membership, and of the Board of Directors. The secretary shall be the primary correspondent of the organization and be responsible for all incoming and outgoing electronic and physical mail of the organization, and perform other duties as required.
Treasurer -The Treasurer shall maintain accurate up-to-date records of all monies and assets belonging to EMP-HI. The Treasurer shall bill each member annually for organization dues and track the status of dues by each member. The Treasurer shall ensure organizational invoices and reimbursements are paid in a timely manner.

Directors: Directors serve on the board along with Officers. Each director will lead a different committee overseeing the responsibilities bulleted below.

Director for Membership
- Welcome packet to new members (organizational documents, by-laws, guidelines)
- Monitor IAEM new members for outreach
- Coordinate with secretary to maintain roster
- Student membership & targeted outreach to colleges
- Organizational outreach (NGOs, private sector, business continuity)
- Facilitating networking, organizing icebreakers, social events
Director for Education
- Send out a survey to solicit members’ input on education topics
- Coordinating speakers for member meetings
  - Collect presentation slides for sharing
  - Sending thank you notes
  - Printing certificates
- Coordinating member meeting logistics
  - Securing meeting venue
  - Sending calendar invites
  - Arranging for pupus
Director for Professional Development (Ideally this person is an IAEM member)
- Resources update
- Training opportunities
- Collection of job opportunities
- IAEM CEM and AEM workshops/ coaching
- IAEM updates and opportunities
- Internship opportunities
Director for Communications
- Website Maintenance
  - Curate Members only section
  - Post job opportunities and training resources
  - Manage EMPHI online store
- Publications (newsletter, brochure)
- Manage social media (Facebook & any new platforms)
- Facilitate virtual participation in meetings/events

Mahalo,

2025 EMP-HI Board of Officers and Directors

Website:https://emphi.org/Email: empofhawaii@gmail.com

October 16, 2025 by emphi

October 16, 2025 IAEM DISPATCH

International Association of Emergency Managers Dispatch - Your weekly news from the International Association of Emergency Managers Hero Image

July 31, 2025 by emphi

AUGUST 2025 is the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month!

What is Emergency Management?

Disasters are inevitable, but catastrophes are not.

Emergency management is the profession that:

Helps communities and organizations prepare, respond, recover, and adapt
Brings partners together to solve complex problems, reduce harm, and restore stability during emergencies.

Emergency management isn’t just about reacting; it’s also about planning in advance, coordinating under pressure, and developing lasting resilience.

Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Crisis

Most people don’t see emergency managers at work. We’re the ones:

Coordinating evacuations and emergency alerts
Anticipating hazards and mapping community vulnerabilities
Securing resources and partnerships before disaster strikes
Managing Emergency Operations Centers and response coordination
Supporting recovery long after the headlines fade

Emergency managers turn strategy into action when it matters most.

You Need Your Emergency Manager In a Crisis

Where to Find Us

Emergency managers exist across local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal governments. We work to keep our nation’s organizations and businesses moving.

We’re at your school districts, colleges, and universities. We plan for the unthinkable.

At your local hospitals and clinics, we’re not only preparing for the next pandemic, but also ensuring that core services continue uninterrupted during utility outage emergencies and the next major storm.

Emergency managers work for a variety of organizations, including non-profits, utilities, transit systems, and retailers. We ensure operations and critical services aren’t interrupted by disaster.

We are behind the scenes wherever you live, work, and play.

Why Emergency Management Needs Your Support

For Policymakers, Leaders, and the Public:

✅ Protect Lives
Stronger emergency management means faster response, better communication, and fewer casualties.

✅ Protect Budgets
Investing in planning, mitigation, and preparedness reduces future disaster costs and accelerates recovery.

✅ Protect Trust
Coordinated leadership during a crisis fosters public confidence and enables communities to function effectively under pressure.

June 12, 2025 by emphi

Call to Action In support of Hawaii Public Radio

Note: The views expressed here are my own and do not reflect the official position or endorsement of the Emergency Management Professionals of Hawai‘i (EMP-HI).

Full disclosure – I sit on the Community Advisory Board for Hawai‘i Public Radio, and the message below was originally provided for CAB and Board members. However, I wanted to share it more broadly with others who are equally concerned about the proposed cuts to both HPR and PBS—two of our most independent and necessary news sources.

Their importance has been evident in numerous events—for instance, COVID, the lava eruptions on the Big Island, and most recently, the Maui wildfire. To impede these institutions is to increase the possibility of public harm if and when the next disaster impacts our ‘āina.

I ask that you please support Meredith and the staff at HPR in their advocacy. And if anyone has a line to any of the CODEL (Congressional Delegation), please emphasize the public good and essential service HPR provides.

Mahalo,
James

//From Meredith Artley, CEO Hawai’i Public Radio//

The Risk to Public Media Has Never Been Greater

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to claw back previously approved funding for public media.

Next, it goes to the Senate.

If this rescission proposal passes the Senate before their deadline of July 18, federal funding for public media will be eliminated. Many stations across the country that serve communities with trusted local news, vital emergency information, music, culture, and community connection — and provide local jobs — will be diminished or entirely decimated.

At Hawaiʻi Public Radio, it would mean a loss of at least $525,000. That figure could climb higher by hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional costs to support diminished services across the network. This is money we currently use to help fund local programming and infrastructure, and further our mission to serve the people of Hawaiʻi.

You are invited to join us for a town hall conversation on Wednesday, June 18 at 12:30 p.m. HST, where we will share updates, next steps and welcome thoughts and questions.

Join Us for Our Town Hall on June 18

Now is the time to use your voice and show your support.

Here are three steps you can take to protect public media:

Write or call our senators and ask them to urge their fellow lawmakers to stand up for public media by voting down this rescission package.

And, if you are one of the many fans and supporters of HPR not in Hawaiʻi, you can use this simple form from Protect My Public Media to get the message to elected officials in your state.

Share this message with your family, friends and networks to encourage them to use their voice. If you are on social media, we’ve made it easy for you to show your support with our outreach kit. Donate to HPR.

We are a community backed public service that is able to serve Hawaiʻi because of the support we receive from the people we do this essential work for. Attempts to defund public media have happened in the past.

But none have gotten this far.

This was a very close vote in the House — 214 to 212. As this rescission package moves to the Senate, there’s still a fighting chance to protect HPR and all public media.

At HPR, we have been humbled and wowed by the outpouring of so many forms of support and encouragement: emails, calls, donations and spreading the word to family and friends.

Mahalo to our supporters and fans for all of the inspiration that readies us for the continued battle ahead, and for the continued fight against misinformation and polarization.

Now is the time to stand with Hawaiʻi Public Radio — and all of public media — and show your support for the essential work that informs, inspires and connects communities everywhere.

April 26, 2025 by emphi

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, April 27, 2025

Note new JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS for an Emergency Management Communications Officer at the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Emergency Management (DEM).

Highlighted below.

*****JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, April 27, 2025 *****

5-DAY RECRUITMENT ONLY

Open: April 30, 2025

Close: May 4, 2025 – 11:59 pm H.S.T.

Professional Trainee I

(Real Property)

(SR-16)

$4,155/month

Note: Posting will close as scheduled or once 40 applications are received, whichever occurs first

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Open: April 27, 2025

Close: May 3, 2025 – 11:59 pm H.S.T.

Chemical Treatment Worker II

(BC-07)

$5,078/month

Chief of Water System Operations

(Program Administrator)

(EM-08)

$10,578/month

Customer Service Representative II

(SR-11)

$3,484/month

Emergency Management Staff Officer

(Communications)
(SR-24)
$5,918 – $6,922/month*

*salary commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval

Hydrologist-Geologist I

(SR-18)

$4,495/month

Water Service Investigator I

(SR-12)

$3,621/month

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Open: April 30, 2025

Close: May 6, 2025 – 11:59 pm H.S.T.

Labor Relations Specialist I

(SR-20)

$4,858/month

Lubrication Worker

(BC-05)

$4,695/month

Personnel Clerk I

(SR-13)
$3,768/month

Note: Posting will close as scheduled or once 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Open: April 30, 2025

Close: May 10, 2025 – 11:59 pm H.S.T.

Information Technology Support Technician II

(SR-15)

$4,078/month

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continuous Recruitment

Revenue Systems Manager

(Planner VI)

(SR-26)

$6,399 – $7,485/month*

*salary commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*** FOR REGULAR CITY EMPLOYEES ONLY ***

*To view Promotional Jobs, go to the Job Opportunities website, and click on the

“Menu” button in the upper left corner, then click on “Promotional Jobs”*

Open: April 27, 2025

Close: May 7, 2025 – 11:59 pm H.S.T.

Park Grounds Maintenance Superintendent

(SR-22)

$5,572 – $8,246/month*

*Promotion rate is determined by collective bargaining agreements
or Civil Service rules, as applicable.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For a complete job announcement, go to our website at www.honolulu.gov/career on the opening date.

City Departments: Click on Job Opportunities; Scroll down, then click on the job title; Print job information; Post or distribute to employees in the department, divisions and units.

The appointing authority shall take all reasonable measures to bring announcements to the attention of employees in the department and distribute the announcements to the various units within the department and other agencies.

The complete announcement should be photocopied or sent electronically.

March 21, 2025 by emphi

Free Webinar: Government Emergency Telecommunications Services (GETS) and Wireless Priority Service (WPS)

APRIL 30th 1400 EST/0800 HST

Join the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as we close out Emergency Communications Month with an educational webinar! This webinar will provide information about CISA’s Priority Telecommunications Services (PTS) including how and when to use the services, how you can subscribe, and how PTS can support critical infrastructure during the 2026 World Cup tournament. Connect your call when it matters most with CISA’s PTS!

Register here: https://cisa.webex.com/weblink/register/r463c8ceea53e5bd0b00d9a93a42b922c

This April is Emergency Communications Month, and CISA is encouraging critical infrastructure owners and operators to strengthen their communications resilience and emergency preparedness by enrolling in CISA’s PTS.

Government Emergency Telecommunications Services (GETS) and Wireless Priority Service (WPS) are offered at no charge, require no special equipment, and can work separately or together to achieve a call completion rate greater than 90%—even during emergencies. WPS prioritizes calls when cellular networks are degraded or congested. GETS prioritizes calls when landline networks are degraded or congested, and they can be made from phones worldwide.

The two services can be used together on mobile phones in one convenient app, the PTS Dialer, which can be programmed to easily make a priority call in just a few taps.

To begin the enrollment process, visit https://www.cisa.gov/apply-pcs, and join us on April 30^th for an informational webinar where we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GETs and WPS; including how to get your organization started.

No matter what vital industry you represent, adding PTS to your emergency communications plan is one of the easiest ways to ensure seamless communications when they are needed most.

All are invited to participate. To join on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET, use:

Webinar Registration Link:

https://cisa.webex.com/weblink/register/r463c8ceea53e5bd0b00d9a93a42b922c

February 12, 2025 by emphi

Message from IAEM President Carrie Speranza, CEM

In times of rapid change, shifting priorities, and uncertainty, we are not just facing challenges-we are standing at the threshold of incredible opportunity. Our profession has always been defined by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protect and support our communities. Now, more than ever, we have the chance to shape the future of emergency management.

If you’re wondering how you can make the greatest impact right now, know that your voice, expertise, and dedication are invaluable. In times of uncertainty, we must stand united-not dwelling on what we don’t know but amplifying what we do. Our profession is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and commitment to public safety. Elected officials, business leaders, and the next generation of emergency managers are looking to us for guidance, clarity, and strength.

Below, you’ll find an update from the chairs of the Government Affairs Committee and the Community and Member Engagement Committee. Both groups are actively working to develop products as we continue to advocate for our profession in these uncertain times. In addition to these updates, you’ll also find the IAEM Advocacy Mission Outline, approved by the IAEM-USA President’s Team, for your reference. Please use this information to drive the conversation forward and champion the future of emergency management in your local jurisdiction or organization. This is our moment to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact.

In the weeks ahead, we will share more information from both committees.

Together, we will rise to the challenge.

In Service,

Carrie Speranza, CEM

IAEM-USA President

Government Affairs Committee Update

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is actively addressing several critical issues, including the potential dismantling of FEMA and the impact of grant funding freezes on local and state agencies. The committee is focused on advocating for legislative priorities such as EMPG funding, disaster management cost modernization, and reform of individual assistance. It is also forming subcommittees to develop detailed recommendations on FEMA reform and advocacy strategies. Additionally, in coordination with the IAEM-USA president, a letter has been sent to Acting Administrator Hamilton requesting clarification on grant funding issues.

With things changing rapidly, it is more important than ever to ensure that we share information with one another. Please keep Government Affairs aware of issues you are hearing and changes that might impact our profession.

If you’d like to receive updates from GAC directly, please update your communication preferences within your member profile. Once you log in to your Membership Dashboard, select “Update My Communications Preferences” and hit “Yes” to “IAEM-USA Government Affairs Updates.” Then, hit save.

Community and Member Engagement Committee Update

IAEM’s new Community & Member Engagement Committee (CMEC) is working closely with Government Affairs and IAEM leadership to ensure members have the tools and resources to advocate for our profession in a unified and impactful way. With heightened attention on FEMA’s future and the impact that it may have on states and local communities across the nation, now is the time to engage with elected officials and community leaders, educate them on the role of emergency management, and reinforce the critical connection between FEMA funding and our ability to serve communities. As the FEMA Review Council takes shape, advocating for IAEM representation will be key to ensuring that emergency managers have a seat at the table in shaping FEMA’s future.

At its core, CMEC exists to elevate and amplify the role of emergency management through strategic storytelling, digital engagement, and advocacy. We are committed to uniting voices, fostering regional advocacy, and supporting collaboration across IAEM’s membership, committees, and caucuses.

With our first meeting today, Feb. 12, at 4:00 p.m. EST, now is the ideal time to get involved. If you want to make a difference in how emergency management is understood and valued – whether through communications, advocacy, or regional engagement – there’s a place for you in CMEC. Join the committee and help shape the conversation! Email Dawn M. Shiley, CAE to join.

IAEM Advocacy Mission Outline

The IAEM-USA President communicated with the White House to emphasize the importance of ensuring our voices are heard in the newly established Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is a pivotal moment for IAEM and the entire emergency management profession. Our expertise, insights, and experiences are vital to shaping the future of FEMA and influencing policies that impact our communities nationwide. Through focused advocacy, relationship-building, and strategic engagement, we can significantly impact how emergency management is prioritized and supported at the federal level.

Here are some things you can be doing and talking points you can leverage as you engage with community leaders.

1. Gather Information

Identify where elected officials stand on emergency management-related issues.
Monitor legislative developments, policy shifts, and emerging trends affecting emergency management.
Maintain situational awareness through regular updates from reliable sources, briefings, and direct engagement with policymakers.

2. Advocate for IAEM

Promote IAEM as the leading voice for emergency management professionals across the nation.
Ensure IAEM is actively involved in shaping emergency management policy at all levels of government.

Talking Points for Advocating for IAEM:

IAEM represents thousands of emergency management professionals dedicated to safeguarding communities across the United States.
Our members bring real-world expertise and operational experience to inform sound public policy decisions.
IAEM is committed to professional development, certification, and education that strengthen the emergency management workforce.
We collaborate with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance national resilience.
IAEM serves as a trusted resource for legislators seeking expert advice on emergency management issues.

3. Advocate for the Emergency Management Profession

Elevate the role of emergency managers in public safety and community resilience.
Highlight the critical need for sustained investment in emergency management programs and personnel.

Talking Points for Advocating for the Emergency Management Profession:

Emergency managers are on the front lines of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Investing in emergency management saves lives, reduces economic losses, and strengthens community resilience.
Emergency management is a professional discipline that requires specialized training, certification, and continuous learning.
Strong emergency management programs are essential to national security and public health.
Support for emergency management ensures that communities are prepared for natural disasters, public health crises, and emerging threats.

4. Build Relationships with Elected Officials and Their Staff

Develop and maintain regular communication with key policymakers and their teams.
Develop strong relationships with private-sector emergency management
Position IAEM members as subject-matter experts and trusted advisors on emergency management issues.
Engage in bipartisan outreach to ensure broad support for emergency management priorities.

5. Be the Leaders You Are

Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the emergency management mission.
If your organization does not permit you to advocate in an official capacity, represent IAEM through your role on the Government Affairs Committee.
Set the standard for advocacy, collaboration, and leadership within the emergency management community.

Together, we can strengthen IAEM’s influence, advance the emergency management profession, and build a more resilient nation.

Emergency Management Professionals of Hawaii

A place where individuals who are interested in Emergency Management can network and find professional development opportunities

news

🚨UPDATE: EMP-HI ELECTIONS/ANNUAL DINNER DATE NOW 12/9/2025 🚨

October 16, 2025 IAEM DISPATCH