The strategic role of Hawaii in disaster coordination in the Asia-Pacific

Ross Prizzia, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2012.0100

Authors

Ross Prizzia, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2012.0100

Keywords:

disaster coordination, Asia-Pacific, Hawaii, multiagency collaboration

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe and explain the strategic role of Hawaii in disaster coordination in the Asia-Pacific region. Hawaii is of critical importance in the prevention of, preparation for, and response to disasters in the Asia-Pacific region as is demonstrated through the effective coordination of Hawaii-based institutions such as the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, US Pacific Command (PACOM), US Army Pacific (USARPAC), Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), East- West Center (EWC), Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), and other related disaster management support organizations based throughout the Hawaiian islands. The State of Hawaii seems prepared to respond to natural and human-caused disasters. As the only island state located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii continues to require advanced technology for warning systems and effective coordination of emergency management capability to respond to a wide range of natural disasters and the threat of terrorism and an extensive network of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among relevant disaster and emergency Hawaii-based government agencies at the local, national, and international levels. While some of this network may be unique to Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region, most is not and can provide useful “best practices” for other practitioners and jurisdictions.

Author Biography

Ross Prizzia, PhD

Chair, Division of Professional Studies, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Pearl City, Hawaii; Coordinator of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) Programs, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Pearl City, Hawaii; Professor, Public Administration, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Pearl City, Hawaii.

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