Hawaii Lawmakers Call for Improved Disaster Communication Among Agencies
State lawmakers in Hawaii are urging government agencies to enhance communication strategies during natural disasters. This call to action follows the recent Kona low storms, which highlighted deficiencies in the current system. Representatives from various county, state, and federal agencies, including the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service, met with the House Committee on Public Safety to discuss these issues. The meeting focused on the need for better 'human-to-human' communication, especially when the public contacts emergency services like 911. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of immediate, low-tech solutions alongside more expensive high-tech options like drones and artificial intelligence for disaster detection. Reports from Oahu’s North Shore indicated that first responders were unavailable during critical times, leading to significant property damage and residents being stranded. The agencies acknowledged the need for improved public communication and better equ... 
