Enhance Emergency Communication Networks
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Design
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County & State
Private
FirstNet Band 14 provided service to Lahaina amid wildfire recovery
“[We need to] address the lack of stable communication infrastructure.”
Community Quote from Long-Term Planning Recovery Survey
Purpose
The August 2023 wildfires exposed critical vulnerabilities in the communications systems on Maui, demonstrating a need for system augmentation, redundancy measures, expansion, and hardening efforts to ensure continuity of communications capabilities during emergencies. Improving redundancy and expanding capacity of the communications systems on Maui will improve public safety in event of emergency. Public messaging and information dissemination directly impacts residents’ ability to respond appropriately to emerging crises in a timely and informed fashion.
Project Description
This project is intended to ensure communication networks are redundant and reliable during emergencies. The project includes a series of facility upgrades and new installations that will provide for increased coordination and communication between and among County departments, first responders, nongovernmental organizations, and the public. The projects will expand radio and cellular capacity, close gaps in existing communication channels, increase public warning and information sharing, and improve overall emergency response capabilities as a result.
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
Many of the upgrades and new equipment will be located in remote areas of the island, adding complexity to implementation efforts.
Next Steps
- Finalize the scopes of work for the various projects included in this effort
- Identify resources for implementation
Latest Updates
Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan
The County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources is currently working with Group 70 International, Inc. (G70) to develop the Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan. The project scope includes hydrology and water policy; wildfire resiliency and risk planning; biological and ecological assessment; cultural landscape architecture; community engagement protocol; transportation circulation planning; topographical survey; cultural and archaeological studies; soils and geotechnical studies; and boundary mapping.
Provide your comments on the draft Action Plan online, by mail or in-person at the Lahaina Resource Center or Kāko‘o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center.
Contact
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
> $30 Million
Existing Funding Sources:
Project Lead:
- Maui Police Department
Potential Funding Sources:
- BEAD Program (Maui Broadband Resilience Program)
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Fire Mitigation
Project Partners:
- County Department of Fire and Public Safety
- Maui Emergency Management Agency
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.1 Ready and resilient systems
- Action 1.23 Develop and implement a more robust and extensive communications system with alternative backup systems for use during emergencies
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