Case Study: USACE/DAWSON Lahaina Phase I Debris Removal

To build trust and open lines of communication during Phase 1 of the Maui wildfire clean up, Paʻakai identified the need to create a recognizable, reliable, and consistent source of information and developed the Hoʻōla Maui brand and platform to fill this need. Along with print and digital Hoʻōla Maui materials, Paʻakai provided on-the-ground community relations support that bridged communication between Lahaina residents, local government agencies, DAWSON management, and US Army Corps of Engineers. The sensitivity and complexity of the situation called for cultural competency, technical understanding, time-sensitive execution, and strategic storytelling to support a range of communications objectives including promotion of local hiring, addressing confusion around the clean up process, defusing stakeholder tensions, and addressing mental health needs.