What we do
Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) coordinates preparedness and response plans, programs, and initiatives with city, state, federal, private, corporate, and non-government entities. DEM was established in 2007 by Chapter 127A-5 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, and Section 6-103, page 34 of the Revised Charter of the City and County of Honolulu. Prior to 2007, the department was known as the Oʻahu Civil Defense Agency.
Our mission is to develop, prepare for and assist in the implementation of emergency management plans and programs to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare of the City during times of disaster or emergency.
In performing these functions, DEM conforms to the standards for local preparedness set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by performing awareness, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, coordinated response and recovery activities, and planning. We direct our planning efforts at threats and hazards that may include natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, high surf, and high winds; human-caused disasters such as aircraft crashes, radiological incidents, marine and inland oil spills, and hazardous material releases; and acts or threats of terrorism, to include terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction.
Leadership
Dr. Randal A Collins, CEM
Director
Poʻo
Jennifer Walter
Deputy Director
Hope Poʻo
Emergency Management Program Delivery Staff
Nicole Nakata
Plans & Operations
Develops and maintains emergency response plans and ensures efficient coordination during disasters, focusing on operational readiness.
Molly Pierce
Public Information & Education
Manages public communication and outreach, educating the community about emergency preparedness and delivering critical information during emergencies.
Vacant
Infrastructure, Recovery, & Mitigation
Focuses on minimizing disaster impacts by improving infrastructure resilience and coordinating recovery and mitigation strategies.
Tiare Eastmond
Mass Care Planner
Plans and coordinates sheltering, feeding, and essential services for individuals affected by disasters.
Douglas Tom
Communications
Maintains reliable communication systems to ensure seamless information flow between emergency responders and agencies.
Vacant
Logistics
Handles planning, procurement, distribution, and management of emergency facilities, resources, and supplies.
Jeff Spencer
Volunteer Services
Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers to support emergency response and recovery operations.
Vacant
Emergency Management Tech
Provides technical support and ensures critical systems and equipment are operational during emergencies.
Mary Evelyn Daughety
Training & Exercise
Develops and conducts training programs and disaster simulations to ensure readiness of staff, volunteers, and partners.
Hien Duong
Information Assistant
Supports the development and dissemination of public information materials via DEM’s website, social media channels, and at public events.
James Mathis
Plans and Operations Specialist
Supports the development of emergency response plans and ensures efficient coordination during disasters, focusing on operational readiness.
Cori Yamada
Secretary
Supports departmental operations by managing correspondence, scheduling, and general office tasks.
Marie Jacinto-Kawabata
Office Assistant
Supports departmental operations by managing correspondence, scheduling, and general office tasks.
Andre Moux
Grants Accountant
Manages financial records for grants received by the department.
Mari Masuoka
Admin Specialist
Oversees financial, human resources, and other administrative support requirements of the department.
Divina Corpuz-Khul
Grants Manager
Oversees grant applications, compliance, and reporting to secure funding for emergency management programs and initiatives.
Frank Domingcil
Groundskeeper
Maintains the grounds at offsite facilities used by department volunteers.