The County of Maui was recognized on May 8 with the 2026 Community Resilience Leadership Award by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaiʻi. This marks the first time in the center’s history that an entire county government has received this honor.
The award acknowledges significant leadership and commitment to resilience, especially following disasters such as the 2023 Maui wildfires. The recognition was presented during the Pacific Risk Management ʻOhana (PRiMO) 25th Annual Conference, held March 16-18 at UH Mānoa campus.
“This recognition reflects not only the resilience of our community, but also the unwavering commitment of the County team that has worked every day to help lead Maui through one of the most difficult chapters in our history,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “From our Office of Recovery and Department of Planning to our first responders, public works crews, housing teams and cabinet leadership, this recovery has required collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to our people. While there is still much work ahead, we remain fully committed to seeing this recovery through and rebuilding a stronger, safer and more resilient Maui for future generations.”
Dr. Karl Kim from UH Mānoa Innovation Center presented the award and highlighted how collaboration between county officials, students, and researchers after the Lahaina fire turned recovery efforts into a case study linking education with real-world capacity building. He also acknowledged ongoing dedication by county leaders to equity and justice throughout recovery operations.
Coastal Resources Planner Jim Buika accepted the award on behalf of Mayor Bissen and the Department of Planning. Jacky Takakura, Director for County Department of Planning said: “The County of Maui extends its gratitude to NDPTC, UH and PRiMO partners for this recognition and for their continued partnership in advancing resilience across island communities.”
More than 300 participants attended this year’s PRiMO conference themed “Building Coalitions and Local Solutions for Resilience.” During this event, Maui County was commended for cross-departmental efforts supporting recovery—including innovative rebuilding strategies—and coordination with academic partners focusing on long-term resilience.
Maui Nui featured prominently throughout conference activities. On March 16 West Maui leader Archie Kalepa delivered a keynote address reflecting on wildfire response; on March 17 a planning team from Maui County collaborated with UH Sea Grant Program in an interactive session titled “Rebuilding Lahaina Out of Harm’s Way: One Relationship at a Time.” Many county staff remained on island during Kona low storms at that time to support emergency response operations.
