This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Major Clifford Ramson, commander of the Major Events Division (MED) joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about the role MED plays during large-scale emergencies like a Kona low, some messages ahead of the next expected batch of severe weather, and what it was like for him to see his community come together.
HPD’s Major Events Division
The Honolulu Police Department’s Major Events Division (MED) is responsible for assisting with the management of major events that exceed the capabilities and resources of the patrol divisions. During the recent Kona low systems, Major Ramson led his division in storm recovery efforts, especially for flood victims in Waialua.
“Something like this really tested our capabilities because it was an ongoing event involving what we call multiple operational periods, meaning it went on for days and days,” explained Major Ramson.
The division is also responsible for the planning, coordination, and training for civil defense and homeland security operations, as well as being a part of the Honolulu Incident Management Team (IMT).
Preparing for more severe weather
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management fully activated its Emergency Operations Center Wednesday morning, April 8, to coordinate operations across Oʻahu as the county braced for a third Kona low system in just weeks.
“Right off the bat, the best way to avoid getting into trouble is, if you can help it, avoid being out on the roads,” pleaded Major Ramson. He goes on to say, “the other important thing is, you the public, are really our eyes and ears of our first responder agencies.”
Major Ramson reminded the public to call 911 if they observe conditions that pose life-threatening risks and to reserve that line for emergencies during the storm. High call volumes can delay response times for those in urgent need of help, and residents are urged to reserve 911 for situations that involve immediate danger to life or safety. Non-life-threatening storm impacts should be reported through the City and County of Honolulu’s HNL 311 app.
Community Impact
Following the devastating Kona Low storms in March 2026, many O‘ahu communities united through robust, grassroots relief efforts to support flood victims. Residents and local organizations formed donation drives and volunteer teams to help their neighbors in need.
“It was just unbelievable the courage that was shown and the dedication to each other,” said Major Ramson. “And you know that after this the community is going to be even stronger. I mean, how can you not be after something like this?”
For ways to get help and how you can help others following the recent severe weather events, visit OneOahu.org
