MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of HUA is to create a standing, diverse body of community stakeholders ready to guide resources in the wake of disasters. These maka—eyes and ears on the ground—are composed of leaders and responders from all backgrounds, regardless of race, class, culture, citizenship status, or language. HUA understands that community is the most essential item in our disaster kit.
ʻUPENA FRAMEWORK
Facilitator Kauwila Hanchett introduced the ʻUpena Framework as a culturally rooted approach to organizing conversations and resources during our Maui response. This framework emphasizes that effective disaster response, and the ability to direct resources toward a future vision for a place, requires deep connection to that place.
“The metaphor of an 'upena ho'olei (throw net) provides a culturally appropriate framework for understanding how we collectively orient ourselves to one another and to the multi-faceted work of recovery. At the very center of the net is the 'āina. In Hawaiian thought, 'āina is not only land but also all that feeds and nourishes us physically. emotionally, and spiritually.”
— Kauwila Hanchett
Executive Director, Hōlani Hāna Inc. & Co-Facilitator of our Maui Briefing Calls
CORE VALUES
Our island is abundant with resources. We have what we need here. Disaster response begins with recognizing what we already have and how we can activate people and resources with respect and dignity.
OUR COMMITMENTS
KEY RESOURCES
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County of Hawai‘i Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Local CERT trainings and emergency prep tools.
CERT Hawai‘i – Statewide program supporting community emergency response training.
Stronger Hawai‘i – Collaborative hub for resilience, disaster recovery, and community action.
Aunty Nettie Aquino – Nā Kia‘i O Maui – Grassroots efforts in cultural restoration, healing, and advocacy.
Lion’s Club Member & Volunteer Accident Insurance – Volunteer coverage and safety resources.
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Disaster Capitalism: The New Economy of Catastrophe By Naomi Klein– Investigative series on how crises are leveraged for profit.
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds By Adrienne Maree Brown – A guide to adaptive change rooted in nature and collective wisdom.
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Aloha Maui: Maui People Telling Maui Stories – A podcast lifting community voices through lived experience and narrative.
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