Kona resilience Hub

Mission: The Kona Resilience Center will establish a vital community resource in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, to address both immediate and long-term needs related to disaster resilience. Our program is designed to serve two primary functions:

1. Emergency Response: As a Resilience Hub, we will provide a safe space during emergencies by offering critical services such as shelter, resource distribution, communication, and essential supplies. We would like our facility to be equipped to handle a week’s worth of dry goods storage, offer transportation during extended emergencies, and maintain a supply of freshwater, food, ice, medical supplies, and power. We would like to deploy a Hybrid Resilience System (HyRS) integrating solar power, energy storage, and backup generators to ensure continuous operation. Additionally, our hub plans to be equipped to provide internet access through Starlink to keep the community connected and communications strong.

2. Community Resilience and Development: Beyond emergency response, the Kona Resilience Center will function as a community center fostering long-term resilience. We will support economic growth, leadership development, and skill-building through educational workshops and training programs. Our space would like to host local events, farmers markets, and cultural activities, enriching community life, and facilitating connections.

Our leadership team & partners: With over 25 years of combined experience in community organizing and emergency management, includes experts such as Krista Arce, Chair of the Hawai’i Island VOAD, and Katrina Zavalney, Director of Aranya Solutions. Their expertise ensures effective disaster response and resilience-building efforts. We collaborate with local partners to enhance community preparedness and response such as Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for information related to emergency management. We are part of the Resilience Hub Network with the mission to build community skills to address vulnerabilities and enhance resilience  island wide, where we are provided annual training and resources for emergency management and community resilience. We have a partnership with Parks and Rec where we can use their facilities for emergencies and community functions. Aranya Solutions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will operate the Kona Resilience Hub and provide a platform to receive donations to keep the center going. 

The need for the Kona Resilience Center is underscored by recent events like the Lahaina fire, which highlighted the urgency for improved resilience hubs and communication networks. Our center will address these needs by providing a robust infrastructure for emergency support and a platform for ongoing community engagement and skill development.

Our center will be executed in phases, beginning with identifying the needs in the community, securing a physical space and acquiring necessary equipment. Once operational, the center will serve as a catalyst for collective action towards a sustainable and resilient future, providing educational programs to meet the needs, making a lasting impact on our community's ability to thrive amidst challenges.

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Community Needs Survey & Get Involved in the Hub!

We are asking the community what their needs and interests are, feel free to share this survey with community members in Kona so we can connect them to resources with the Kona Resilience Hub. We are also mapping assets, buildings, and resources in Kona - please let us know of any that should be on our radar, and introductions if applicable.