Key Messages: Hawai'i Wildfires Response

COMMAND MESSAGES

• We bring many unique capabilities to the Hawai'i wildfires response, but we are just one piece of a much larger Army and Department of Defense team working to support our local, state and federal partners.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to minimizing risks to public safety and respecting the people, culture and environment of Hawai'i.

• We are working side-by-side with our partners to help survivors recover from the wildfires as fast as possible, and we are committed to getting it done right.

• We share our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and the people of Hawai'i whose homes, businesses and communities, rich with heritage and culture have been tragically impacted by the wildfires.

• We encourage property and business owners to check with Maui County and their local emergency management officials for the most up-to-date guidance for the coming start of the Private Property Debris Removal program. Maui County's comprehensive website for information and resources for survivors of the Hawai'i wildfires is MauiRecovers.org.

MISSION TALKING POINTS

• Hawai'i Governor Josh Green, M.D., announced 29 AUG that USACE would be the lead agency to complete the Phase 2 Private Property Debris Removal operations. It is a whole-of-government, community-focused approach.

• The exact timeline for the Private Property Debris Removal process is currently being developed but will begin after three critical steps are complete:

1. Cultural monitoring will take place at all times to minimize harm to the cultural heritage of Hawai'i and Native Hawaiian people. Native Hawaiian, Maui-based cultural advisors will lead these efforts throughout the process.

Critical Public Facilities

• We received a million mission assignment Sept. 13 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support the State of Hawai'i and the state Department of Education to design and oversee the installation of a temporary elementary school campus for the Lahaina community.

• The site will serve as an interim solution after the loss of King Kamehameha III Elementary School in the Aug. 8 wildfires.

• The overall timeline for this project is currently being developed. The Corps of Engineers and our Critical Public Facilities experts are proud to partner with the state on this important project and to deliver for the children and community of Lahaina.

Temporary Emergency Power

• Throughout the course of this mission, the temporary power team installed 20 generators (the first was installed 14 AUG), supporting several critical facilities and utilities, including water wells and pump stations.

• The team has now deinstalled all 20 generators previously supporting critical infrastructure as Hawai'i’s power grid stabilized and other temporary power sources were identified. USACE is now working with FEMA and the state to drawdown further support and demobilize personnel.

If approached by...

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

• Refer general inquiries from members of the public first to MauiRecovers.org or the Maui Disaster Support Call Center, which is provided by the State of Hawai'i and Maui County as a central assistance hub for community members affected by the Hawai'i wildfires: (808) 727-1550 (Available 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily)

• If they need to channel their request to USACE, they may do so at 808-835-4003 or cepoh-pa@usace.army.mil.

• Additional resources may include:

     FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

     For those seeking information on missing/unaccounted for loved ones, families and individuals can provide detailed information and DNA swabs to assist in the identification process. Location: Ka‘anapali at the Hyatt Regency Monarchy Ballroom, 200 Nohea Kai Drive. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA

• Always notify PAO before or immediately after you are contacted by the media.

• If approached by a member of the media, you may give them your name and occupation, and discuss your role and why it matters.

• For additional USACE support, refer media to the USACE Public Affairs Office at: 808-835-4062 or HawaiiFiresMedia@usace.army.mil.

• For FEMA support, refer them to the FEMA media line at 808-983-2772 or FEMA-Hawaii-Newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov. 

• Need images? Check DVIDS and search #hawaiiwildfires23 or use this link: https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=hawaiiwildfires23&filter%5Bbranch%5D=Army&filter%5Bunit%5D=USACE-HD&view=grid

CONDUCT A PRE-INTERVIEW CHECK

• Remove ID Card/badge.
• Ensure you are wearing appropriate personal protection equipment, if applicable.
• Remove sunglasses, if possible.
• Look at your surroundings – is there something in the background that should not be seen or is there something that you want to highlight?

HELPFUL MEDIA SPEAKING TIPS

• You are always on the record, and it is quite possible you will be recorded.

• Do not share classified or sensitive information.

• Response = command message + talking point
  • NOTE: Command messages assert the District’s position, talking points provide facts.

• Stay in your lane: Speak only about the things you have the authority and knowledge to address; provide PAO contact information if outside your lane.

• Do not say “no comment.”

• Avoid jargon: Speak plainly and avoid acronyms.

• Stick to the facts and, if possible, correct factual errors.

• It’s okay to ask to “start over.”

• It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”
  • Wrong info is worse - don’t speculate. Offer to connect them with PAO so they can get back to the reporter with the information they are seeking.