HVERI Newsletter -November 2024
Aloha HVERI ʻOhana,
As November settles in, we reflect on the resilience that defines our community. With hurricane season coming to a close, it's easy to feel a sense of relief, but we must remain vigilant. Storms like the Kona Low can strike unexpectedly, bringing severe rains and flooding. These challenges, coupled with the growing digital threats we face, remind us of the importance of preparation. In this issue, we’ll share insights from recent events and offer guidance to help you stay prepared, connected, and resilient through the holiday season.
Mountain View Elementary Science Night
HVERI had the pleasure of attending Mountain View Elementary’s Science Night, where we showcased our Volcano Education Tool Kit. The highlight of the evening was our viscosity experiment, which showed students how different lava thicknesses affect its flow.
We used air bubbles in various liquids to demonstrate how high-viscosity lava moves much slower, creating the thick, dome-like flows often seen in certain eruptions. Students watched closely as the bubbles traveled slowly through thick liquid, simulating the sluggish nature of viscous lava.
In contrast, our "lava lamp" demonstration with Alka-Seltzer tablets created a lively display of fast-moving bubbles to represent low-viscosity lava, helping students visualize how thin, fluid lava from volcanoes like Kīlauea spreads quickly across large areas.
USGS also attended adding excitement with their "volcano eruption" experiment using Mentos and Coke for a dynamic effect. The enthusiasm of the students as they engaged with these interactive demonstrations was a rewarding reminder of how hands-on science helps build understanding and excitement about the powerful forces shaping our island.
HanoCon 2024 at Windward Community College
HVERI was honored to attend HanoCon 2024, held this year at Windward Community College on Oʻahu. Organized by the Hawai’i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO), this annual conference gathered over 300 nonprofit professionals, community advocates, and leaders from across the islands. With the theme "People, Pilina, Purpose," the event highlighted the essential role of relationships and community bonds (pilina) in building resilience and driving impactful change across Hawai’i.
Throughout the conference, HVERI engaged in discussions on the importance of cultural knowledge and community-centered approaches to resilience, disaster preparedness, and environmental stewardship. In breakout sessions, we shared insights on integrating local values and practices into resilience-building, emphasizing that Hawaiʻi’s future strength lies in honoring its cultural foundations.
The event also provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded nonprofits committed to creating a safer, more resilient Hawai’i. Together with nonprofit organizations from across Hawai’i and the mainland, we explored strategies to manage the complexities of grant funding and organizational growth. These connections underscored the impact of community-driven initiatives and demonstrated how nonprofits can lead by example in addressing the unique challenges facing our islands.
We are deeply grateful to HANO and their scholarship program, which made it possible for HVERI to participate in this gathering. Their support allowed us to join critical conversations that advance our mission to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities through collaboration and cultural integrity.
World Tsunami Awareness Day – November 5
In recognition of World Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5, HVERI joins global efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of tsunamis and the importance of community preparedness. Living in the Pacific, we understand that tsunamis are a very real threat to our islands, and being informed and prepared can make all the difference.
To support this mission, HVERI will be collaborating with the Pacific Tsunami Museum and sharing resources throughout November on tsunami safety, including steps for creating family evacuation plans, understanding warning signs, and knowing what to do if and when a tsunami strikes. We encourage everyone to take a few moments to review these materials and discuss preparedness with ʻohana and friends.
Join us in Building Tsunami Awareness and Resilience. On World Tsunami Awareness Day, consider engaging with our social media posts to help spread this critical knowledge. Together, we can strengthen community readiness and ensure that more people across Hawai’i have the tools to stay safe and respond effectively in the event of a tsunami.
Community Strength Through Digital Resilience
Digital Resilience Hubs (DRHs) are a transformative tool in community-based disaster preparedness. In a region as hazard-prone as Hawai‘i, DRHs provide residents with fast, accurate updates and vital resources, creating a digital network that supports both individual safety and community cohesion. Through social media and trained local moderators, these hubs keep essential information accessible and in real-time, cutting through misinformation during critical moments.
HVERI’s DRH model, developed from the successful Hawai‘i Tracker initiative, serves as a virtual safety net, offering the community a consistent and reliable source of information. By coordinating with on-the-ground Resilience Hubs and emergency responders, DRHs facilitate two-way communication during crises, allowing residents to stay informed while helping emergency personnel gather actionable insights from the community.
As HVERI certifies new DRHs across Hawai‘i Island, these hubs will empower communities to become more resilient to various disasters. Through partnerships with Civil Defense, Vibrant Hawai‘i, and local organizations, we’re building a network that responds to emergencies and strengthens disaster awareness year-round, making Hawai‘i safer and more connected.
Volcano Education & Community Engagement
This November, our focus shifts to Mauna Loa and Kilauea Iki both a prominent presence in Hawaiʻi’s volcanic landscape. In our weekly live broadcasts at 5 PM HST each Thursday, we’ll explore notable eruptions from Mauna Loa’s past by examining these historic events, we can better understand Mauna Loa’s unique behavior and patterns, which are critical to current preparedness efforts.
Learning from past eruptions helps emergency managers and residents alike anticipate what future events might bring. Each eruption offers clues to the volcano’s potential impact, guiding community preparedness plans, evacuation routes, and public safety measures. By studying patterns in Mauna Loa’s historical record, we work towards providing Hawaiʻi’s residents the knowledge and resources to act quickly and safely when the volcano stirs again.
Join us to ask questions, learn, and engage in conversations that connect Hawaiʻi’s volcanic past with insights for the future.
Fundraising: Support HVERI’s Mission
This November, we’re kicking off our end-of-year fundraiser, and your support is more important than ever. Every dollar fuels our programs in disaster preparedness, volcano education, and digital resilience—helping us reach more people across Hawaiʻi with the tools and knowledge to face the future with confidence.
Get Involved with Peer-to-Peer Fundraising on Facebook
This year, we’re inviting supporters to join us in a powerful way: peer-to-peer fundraising on Facebook. By creating a fundraiser on your Facebook profile, you can engage your network to support a mission that matters to all of Hawai’i. It’s a simple and impactful way to help us extend our reach even further. Sharing your passion for HVERI with friends and family not only boosts community support but also amplifies your impact. Setting up a Facebook fundraiser is quick and easy—visit our page to learn more and get started! Click Here for HVERI’s How To Get Started page.
End-of-Year Tax Benefits for Businesses
As we approach year-end, it’s the perfect time for businesses to maximize tax-deductible contributions. Donations to HVERI are fully tax-deductible, making this an ideal opportunity to support your community while taking advantage of tax benefits. Your gift helps us continue sharing critical resources, educating residents about volcanic activity, and training communities in digital resilience against modern threats. Partnering with HVERI isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in Hawai'i’s future.
Help us close 2024 with strength and purpose. Join us today by setting up a fundraiser or donating directly through our website. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Hawaii. For more information on how to become a corporate sponsor, contact us at lou@hveri.org.
