Replace Herman Andaya with Competent Leadership for Maui Emergency Management Agency!
Replace Herman Andaya with Competent Leadership for Maui Emergency Management Agency!
The Issue
Final Update: I am thrilled to inform you that on 8/28/23 our shared goal was successfully achieved! Herman Andaya, the former Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, has been replaced by Darryl Oliveira, a seasoned expert in emergency preparedness and fire response.
While the petition might not have garnered a massive response, your collective voices and dedication have made a difference. Darryl Oliveira's appointment is a testament to the importance of ensuring competent leadership in emergency management. His impressive track record, including overseeing Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and his extensive experience in the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, positions him well to guide Maui County's emergency preparedness and response efforts.
This achievement showcases that even a small group of committed individuals can help bring about positive change. Your support has helped to achieve a significant improvement in our community's safety measures. While this particular chapter may be closing, let's remember that our commitment to a safer Maui remains unwavering, and those in authority need to be held accountable to ensure that only those who are truly competent, qualified, and experienced are placed in leadership at the Maui Emergency Management Agency (and ideally in other Maui County Leadership positions).
Thank you all for your support, engagement, and determination. Every signature counted, and your efforts have paved the way for a more capable and skilled leadership in emergency management. Let's continue to stay involved and advocate for the safety and well-being of our community.
One great thing to do now is to complete CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. This link will provide you with more information on how to do that: https://www.mauicounty.gov/1899/Community-Emergency-Response-Team
Stay empowered and stay safe!
8/17/23 Update:
Great news, everyone! Today, Herman Andaya has done the right thing and resigned from his position as Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency. While this marks a significant step forward, our mission is not yet complete. It's imperative that Mayor Bissen appoints a successor who possesses the necessary skills, experience, and competency to lead the Maui Emergency Management Agency effectively. Our shared commitment to a safer future for Maui remains unwavering. Let's keep the momentum going and ensure that our community is equipped with the leadership it deserves during times of crisis. Keep signing, sharing, and advocating for the change we seek. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Petition Goals:
1. To hold Herman Andaya accountable for his lack of emergency management qualifications and inadequate response during the devastating wildfire tragedy that claimed over 110 lives on Maui.
2. To advocate for a transparent and rigorous hiring processes that prioritize candidates with significant experience in emergency management, disaster response, and crisis communication. Rather than the good ol’ boy/nepotism hirings of the past that have gone on for far too long.
3. To ensure that future emergency management leaders in Maui possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to effectively protect and guide the Maui community during a crisis.
Summary:
As concerned individuals who live on Maui or have ties to Maui and a commitment to safety during crises, we stand united in seeking accountability and the welfare of the Maui community. The tragic wildfire incident that claimed the lives of over 110 individuals has exposed a serious issue within Maui’s emergency management leadership. Herman Andaya, the current Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), has demonstrated a concerning lack of qualifications and experience necessary for such a pivotal role.
It is our shared concern for Maui that compels us to advocate for leadership that can make well-informed decisions and coordinate effective responses during emergencies. The role of an emergency management leader demands expertise in disaster response, risk assessment, communication strategies, and collaboration with various agencies. Mr. Andaya's background, primarily consisting of bureaucratic roles and political staffing, does not meet the rigorous standards typically required of someone in his position, which allow Emergency Management Directors to safeguard their community during life-threatening events.
In the midst of the August 2023 wildfire crisis, Mr. Andaya's decision to not activate emergency sirens, relying solely on text alerts and traditional media broadcasts, demonstrated a lack of understanding of emergency protocols. Sirens are intended to be used for various emergencies, including wildfires, as outlined by the County of Maui’s Outdoor Warning Siren Testing website (Maui County, 2023). This oversight could have potentially compromised the safety of countless individuals who were unaware of the imminent danger, and as a result, most likely lost their lives.
Our collective commitment to Maui's well-being prompts us to call for change. We call upon Maui community leaders to review and improve the hiring processes, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection that prioritizes candidates with demonstrated experience in emergency management, disaster response, and crisis communication. (Rather than hiring someone because they are your unqualified and inexperienced friend or family member). Furthermore, we advocate for ongoing training and education programs to keep emergency management personnel up-to-date with the latest protocols, technologies, and best practices.
The evolving nature of emergencies requires emergency management leaders who are adaptable, informed, experienced, qualified, and capable of making timely decisions under pressure. Not a professional bureaucrat whose only real-world emergency management experience appears to be reporting to an activated Emergency Operations Center while Chief of Staff for the Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa.
By joining our efforts and signing this petition, you are voicing your demand for accountability and change. Let us unite in honor of those lost to prevent future tragedies. Together, we can rebuild the Maui emergency management systems with experienced and qualified leadership that ensures the safety and well-being of the Maui community during times of crisis.
Resources:
Andaya, H. (2023, August 16). Herman Andaya Public Profile.
Retrieved from linkedin.com: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herman-andaya-99b49022?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Indeed. (2022, June 24). What Does an Emergency Management Director Do?
Retrieved from indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-emergency-management-director
Maui County. (2023, August 16). Siren Quick Facts.
Retrieved from Mauisirens.com: https://www.mauisirens.com/
MauiNow.com. (2023, August 16). Governor Green leads a news conference on Maui today at 1:30 pm local time.
Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/mauinow: https://www.facebook.com/mauinow/videos/259165160394437
Pope, N. (2023, August 16). Maui's Emergency Operations Chief, Whose Agency Failed to Sound Wildfire Sirens, Had No Relevant Experience.
Retrieved from dailycaller.com: https://dailycaller.com/2023/08/16/hawaii-fires-maui-emergency-operation-herman-andaya-no-experience-disaster-response/
Public Health Degrees. (2023, August 16). How to Become an Emergency Management Specialist.
Retrieved from Publichealthdegrees.org: https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/emergency-management-specialist/#:~:text=emergency%20management%20director%3F-,Emergency%20management%20directors%20often%20hold%20at%20least%20a%20bachelor's%20degree,prepare%20you%20for%20this%20career.
Victory
The Issue
Final Update: I am thrilled to inform you that on 8/28/23 our shared goal was successfully achieved! Herman Andaya, the former Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, has been replaced by Darryl Oliveira, a seasoned expert in emergency preparedness and fire response.
While the petition might not have garnered a massive response, your collective voices and dedication have made a difference. Darryl Oliveira's appointment is a testament to the importance of ensuring competent leadership in emergency management. His impressive track record, including overseeing Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and his extensive experience in the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, positions him well to guide Maui County's emergency preparedness and response efforts.
This achievement showcases that even a small group of committed individuals can help bring about positive change. Your support has helped to achieve a significant improvement in our community's safety measures. While this particular chapter may be closing, let's remember that our commitment to a safer Maui remains unwavering, and those in authority need to be held accountable to ensure that only those who are truly competent, qualified, and experienced are placed in leadership at the Maui Emergency Management Agency (and ideally in other Maui County Leadership positions).
Thank you all for your support, engagement, and determination. Every signature counted, and your efforts have paved the way for a more capable and skilled leadership in emergency management. Let's continue to stay involved and advocate for the safety and well-being of our community.
One great thing to do now is to complete CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. This link will provide you with more information on how to do that: https://www.mauicounty.gov/1899/Community-Emergency-Response-Team
Stay empowered and stay safe!
8/17/23 Update:
Great news, everyone! Today, Herman Andaya has done the right thing and resigned from his position as Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency. While this marks a significant step forward, our mission is not yet complete. It's imperative that Mayor Bissen appoints a successor who possesses the necessary skills, experience, and competency to lead the Maui Emergency Management Agency effectively. Our shared commitment to a safer future for Maui remains unwavering. Let's keep the momentum going and ensure that our community is equipped with the leadership it deserves during times of crisis. Keep signing, sharing, and advocating for the change we seek. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Petition Goals:
1. To hold Herman Andaya accountable for his lack of emergency management qualifications and inadequate response during the devastating wildfire tragedy that claimed over 110 lives on Maui.
2. To advocate for a transparent and rigorous hiring processes that prioritize candidates with significant experience in emergency management, disaster response, and crisis communication. Rather than the good ol’ boy/nepotism hirings of the past that have gone on for far too long.
3. To ensure that future emergency management leaders in Maui possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to effectively protect and guide the Maui community during a crisis.
Summary:
As concerned individuals who live on Maui or have ties to Maui and a commitment to safety during crises, we stand united in seeking accountability and the welfare of the Maui community. The tragic wildfire incident that claimed the lives of over 110 individuals has exposed a serious issue within Maui’s emergency management leadership. Herman Andaya, the current Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), has demonstrated a concerning lack of qualifications and experience necessary for such a pivotal role.
It is our shared concern for Maui that compels us to advocate for leadership that can make well-informed decisions and coordinate effective responses during emergencies. The role of an emergency management leader demands expertise in disaster response, risk assessment, communication strategies, and collaboration with various agencies. Mr. Andaya's background, primarily consisting of bureaucratic roles and political staffing, does not meet the rigorous standards typically required of someone in his position, which allow Emergency Management Directors to safeguard their community during life-threatening events.
In the midst of the August 2023 wildfire crisis, Mr. Andaya's decision to not activate emergency sirens, relying solely on text alerts and traditional media broadcasts, demonstrated a lack of understanding of emergency protocols. Sirens are intended to be used for various emergencies, including wildfires, as outlined by the County of Maui’s Outdoor Warning Siren Testing website (Maui County, 2023). This oversight could have potentially compromised the safety of countless individuals who were unaware of the imminent danger, and as a result, most likely lost their lives.
Our collective commitment to Maui's well-being prompts us to call for change. We call upon Maui community leaders to review and improve the hiring processes, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection that prioritizes candidates with demonstrated experience in emergency management, disaster response, and crisis communication. (Rather than hiring someone because they are your unqualified and inexperienced friend or family member). Furthermore, we advocate for ongoing training and education programs to keep emergency management personnel up-to-date with the latest protocols, technologies, and best practices.
The evolving nature of emergencies requires emergency management leaders who are adaptable, informed, experienced, qualified, and capable of making timely decisions under pressure. Not a professional bureaucrat whose only real-world emergency management experience appears to be reporting to an activated Emergency Operations Center while Chief of Staff for the Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa.
By joining our efforts and signing this petition, you are voicing your demand for accountability and change. Let us unite in honor of those lost to prevent future tragedies. Together, we can rebuild the Maui emergency management systems with experienced and qualified leadership that ensures the safety and well-being of the Maui community during times of crisis.
Resources:
Andaya, H. (2023, August 16). Herman Andaya Public Profile.
Retrieved from linkedin.com: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herman-andaya-99b49022?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Indeed. (2022, June 24). What Does an Emergency Management Director Do?
Retrieved from indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-emergency-management-director
Maui County. (2023, August 16). Siren Quick Facts.
Retrieved from Mauisirens.com: https://www.mauisirens.com/
MauiNow.com. (2023, August 16). Governor Green leads a news conference on Maui today at 1:30 pm local time.
Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/mauinow: https://www.facebook.com/mauinow/videos/259165160394437
Pope, N. (2023, August 16). Maui's Emergency Operations Chief, Whose Agency Failed to Sound Wildfire Sirens, Had No Relevant Experience.
Retrieved from dailycaller.com: https://dailycaller.com/2023/08/16/hawaii-fires-maui-emergency-operation-herman-andaya-no-experience-disaster-response/
Public Health Degrees. (2023, August 16). How to Become an Emergency Management Specialist.
Retrieved from Publichealthdegrees.org: https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/emergency-management-specialist/#:~:text=emergency%20management%20director%3F-,Emergency%20management%20directors%20often%20hold%20at%20least%20a%20bachelor's%20degree,prepare%20you%20for%20this%20career.
Victory
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Petition created on August 17, 2023