Public invited to disaster readiness event in Pahoa

Puna residents have another opportunity to learn about disaster readiness on Sunday through Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance and the Hawaiian Volcano Education and Resilience Institute.

These disaster response nonprofits are hosting the second session of a two-part speaker series from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Maku‘u Farmer’s Market at 15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa Road in Pahoa.

Like at the first session May 4, speakers will educate the public about how to best prepare their homes — including pets and animals — for emergencies or disasters with such tools as checklists with emergency numbers and other important information.

Participants can enter a drawing to win a disaster preparedness bucket along with other giveaways and keiki games.

Speakers representing the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, Hawaii National Guard, the University of Hawaii, HVERI, the county Animal Control and Protection Agency, and other organizations will educate residents about who will respond during a disaster, what they can do to protect their family today, where they can get help, when is the best time to prepare, and why this information is important.

The speakers also will be livestreamed on www.808haka.org and through HAKA’s social media on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. For attendees, the regular $2 admission fee for parking at the farmer’s market still applies during the event.

The speaker series is funded by Puna Strong, a grant program supported by the county and the Hawaii Community Foundation. Puna Strong focuses on disaster readiness and building community resilience in the Puna communities affected by the 2018 Kilauea eruption by investing in nonprofit organizations and partnerships leading community-driven projects.

Learn more at www.808haka.org.