Multiple sources reported that Maui County held a blessing ceremony on July 24, 2026 for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Wailuku, with full operations set to begin in August. The facility nearly quadruples the county’s emergency coordination capacity and is described by officials as one of the most technologically advanced EOCs in the state. The opening comes ahead of the third anniversary of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and during an active hurricane season.
- The new Maui Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) spans 9,355 square feet and can accommodate up to 198 people, compared to just 52 at the current facility
- A centerpiece 24-display video wall is designed to give emergency teams real-time situational awareness during activations
- The facility includes advanced audio/visual systems, backup systems built for 24/7 operation, meeting rooms, and video conferencing for multi-agency coordination (Maui Now)
- The project cost approximately $24 million, funded through county capital improvement funds and federal emergency management grants (Hawaii News Now)
- The county first purchased the building in 2020 under the Victorino Administration; the project has spanned six years
- MEMA has been activated 92 times since 2024 for emergencies including storms, flooding, and a hurricane warning
- Since MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett was hired in 2024, the agency has grown from 9 to 31 funded positions (Hawaii News Now)
- Mayor Richard Bissen stated the center will improve notification speed and resource deployment, saying ‘this literally will save lives’ (Hawaii News Now)
- Governor Josh Green attended the blessing and pledged continued state collaboration on emergency preparedness
- The primary situation room is organized into functional sections — executive, planning, operations, and human services — each with dedicated workspace (Maui News)
Sources
- Mauirecovers: News: County to open new Emergency Operations Center to enhance preparedness, coordination, response
- Maui County: County to open new Emergency Operations Center to enhance preparedness, coordination, response
- Hawaii News Now: Maui County blesses new Emergency Operations Center ahead of wildfire anniversary
- Maui News: MEMA’s new headquarters ‘will save lives,’ mayor says
- Maui Now: New Maui Emergency Operations Center to open in August
Share this article
