The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as recognized Kailua as a “Storm Ready/Tsunami Ready Community.”
In the months after the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March 2011, leaders, state and municipal authorities, and the citizens of Kailua have pulled together to prepare their community for a range of possible disaster events through a diverse program of activities.
These efforts have included designation of evacuation routes and safe areas, identification of an emergency coordination center, education and outreach activities such as Kailua's September 15 disaster fair, as well as specialized disaster response training courses and exercises.
This certification was organized and achieved by ordinary citizens with support from Kailua's Neighborhood Board, Hawaii State Civil Defense, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. Kailua is the first community driven organization in the state of Hawaii to become “Storm/Tsunami Ready”.
The Ewa Beach and Kaneohe communities, as well as others, are currently working on their certifications. In conjunction with Marine Corps Base Hawaii, a ceremony to mark Kailua's and Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s designations as Storm/Tsunami Ready Communities by NOAA will be held at the front gate of Marine Corps Base, Hawaii on January 9, 2012.
