Maui County blesses new Emergency Operations Center ahead of wildfire anniversary

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires approaches and hurricane season heats up, Maui County is preparing to open a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

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The new EOC spans more than 9,000 square feet and features a 24-display video wall, which officials say will improve situational awareness.

“The simple truth is this place will save lives,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said. “It’s not just a building with television screens and computers and all the modern technology … but this literally will save lives because we will be able to notify people sooner. We will be able to get resources. We have much more situational awareness.”

The facility includes various sections like external affairs, operations, and planning for integrated communications.

Capacity and cost

The current EOC holds a capacity of 52 people. The new facility can accommodate approximately 200 people — nearly four times as many.

The county first purchased the building in 2020 under the Victorino Administration. Over the past six years, it has become an approximately $24 million investment, funded through county capital improvement funds and federal emergency management grants.

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Staffing growth at MEMA

Since Mayor Richard Bissen hired Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett in 2024, MEMA has grown from nine positions to 31 funded positions.

“This building is a tremendous blessing. But it carries tremendous responsibility,” Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Our responsibility is to store this resource wisely, to serve without ego, to lead with humility, to prepare with excellence, and to remember that every decision made within these walls ultimately affects families throughout Maui Nui.”

Blessing ceremony

Federal, state, and county partners gathered Friday for a blessing of the new facility.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Lopez said it is not only an investment for the county, but for the state as well.

“It’s just really nice to see what they’ve come from,” Lopez said. “It kind of shows the resilience and them improving their team, and then this is kind of the outward manifestation of all the work behind the scenes.”

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The new EOC is set to be ready to activate in August.