This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Molly Pierce, public information officer for the City’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about disaster relief resources on oneoahu.org plus ways to help our flood-impacted community members.
The Department of Emergency Management
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. Right now, that means getting the right people and programs in place to help O‘ahu residents recover and rebuild following the recent Kona low system.
“We’re the one who know who has the resources, and we work to action that an make sure that everyone who does the actual bulldozing, or first response, or whatever it may be, that they have the resources hey need and information that they need to put those plans into action.”
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.
OneOahu.org
The City and County of Honolulu on March 30, 2026, announced the launch of OneOahu.org, a centralized website serving as the hub for all storm recovery information following the recent Kona low event.
“It’s an access point to services that folks might need,” added Pierce. “So if you’re looking for anything from housing to food resources, to information about the City’s in-person community assistance center, all of that information can be found in one place.”
The website will be continuously updated as recovery efforts progress and additional services become available. Residents are encouraged to check the site regularly for the latest information.
How can I help?
We know many people want to help, but not all assistance sites have the capacity to sort physical items—and too often, unneeded goods end up going to waste. Financial contributions are usually the most effective form of support, but here are a few meaningful ways you can help:
• Financial donations to trusted non-profit partners are the most effective way to support relief efforts, as they allow organizations to quickly respond to specific and changing needs.
• Volunteering with established service providers with strong community networks, such as, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Aloha United Way.
For more information, visit www.OneOahu.org.
