Hawaiʻi County Offers Free CERT Disaster Training
Hawaiʻi County Offers Free CERT Disaster Training
The County of Hawaiʻi invites residents to become disaster-ready by joining one of several free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sessions this spring.
This comprehensive course, with both online and in-person sessions, covers vital elements of emergency preparedness and response, including triage and first aid, search and rescue, and fire suppression and safety.
“These classes give the people of Hawai‘i Island important skills to help themselves and their neighbors during emergencies,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “To meet our mission of building stronger, safer communities, we are increasing the number of CERT training opportunities over previous years, with nine sessions planned throughout 2026.”
Applicants will be provided with a link to an online training course, which must be completed about two weeks before the in-person session begins.
Upcoming in-person courses include:
Pāhoa
• March 28-29, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-3022 Kauhale St., Pāhoa).
• Registration opens: Now.
• Registration closes: Feb. 27.
• Online course must be completed by March 13.
• To register, complete this form or email CERT@hawaiicounty.gov.
Waikoloa
• April 18-19, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Village Courses at Waikoloa, 68-1798 Melia St., Waikoloa Village.
• Registration opens: Now.
• Registration closes: March 20.
• Online course must be completed by April 3.
• To register, complete this form or email CERT@hawaiicounty.gov.
Nā‘ālehu
• May 2-3, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Nā‘ālehu Community Center, 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Road.
• Registration opens: March 6.
• Registration closes: April 10.
• Online course must be completed by April 24.
• To register, email CERT@hawaiicounty.gov.
This training is supported by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency, which oversees the local CERT program.
In a major disaster, the impacts of a hurricane, volcanic eruption, wildfire, or other hazards could initially overwhelm emergency responders, making preparedness and response skills a vital part of community resilience.
“CERT training is a key component for a safer Hawaiʻi Island,” said Talmadge Magno, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator. “The time you devote to this training repays the whole community by saving lives and protecting homes.”
For more information on CERT, visit the Civil Defense website at https://bit.ly/HICivilDefense and follow the link to “CERT.”
Have questions? Contact us at CERT@hawaiicounty.gov to learn more.
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