The August 2023 wildfires exposed critical vulnerabilities in the communications systems on Maui, demonstrating a need for system augmentation, redundancy measures, expansion, and hardening efforts to ensure continuity of communications capabilities during emergencies. Improving redundancy and expanding capacity of the communications systems on Maui will improve public safety in event of emergency. Public messaging and information dissemination directly impacts residents’ ability to respond appropriately to emerging crises in a timely and informed fashion.

This project is intended to ensure communication networks are redundant and reliable during emergencies. The project includes a series of facility upgrades and new installations that will provide for increased coordination and communication between and among County departments, first responders, nongovernmental organizations, and the public. The projects will expand radio and cellular capacity, close gaps in existing communication channels, increase public warning and information sharing, and improve overall emergency response capabilities as a result.