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Hurricane Iniki

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Sea Grant College Program was awarded the 2013 Dr. Arthur Chiu Award for Excellence in Hurricane Preparedness at a hurricane outlook news conference held by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

The award is given annually to an organization, individual or business that has demonstrated innovation or excellence in hurricane preparedness for the community. This year, UH Sea Grant was selected for its efforts to make Hawaiʻi’s communities safer through its excellent work on the Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards. The free handbook provides detailed information on how to prepare the home for a hurricane and other natural hazards, and outlines cost-effective steps that can significantly reduce the risks to lives and property.

Arthur Chiu was a UH Mānoa engineering professor for 42 years, an internationally recognized expert on the effects of wind on structures and a longtime volunteer with the Hawaiʻi State Hurricane Advisory Committee.

“The Sea Grant College Program has done some great work in promoting disaster resiliency and personal preparedness for Hawaiʻi,” said Doug Mayne, vice director of Hawaiʻi State Civil Defense.

In 2007, Dennis Hwang and Darren Okimoto wrote the Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards. “The homeowner’s handbook is an excellent guide for all hazards, but where it really shines is in the descriptive sections on hurricane mitigation measures for single family homes.” said Mayne. “The Sea Grant College Program exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Arthur N.L. Chiu Award through their continuous work in making Hawaiʻi and its coastal communities a safer place.”

Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards

Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards book cover

Due to an overwhelming response from the public, over 50,000 copies of the handbook have been printed and distributed to homeowners throughout the state. UH Sea Grant is currently revising the second edition of the handbook in time for the start of the June 1, 2013 hurricane season.

In addition, with assistance from Hwang, state-specific handbooks have been developed in Mississippi, Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Texas and Louisiana that are based on the initial Hawaiʻi version.

Printed copies of the handbook are available for pickup or may be downloaded for free from UH Sea Grant’s website. A $5 shipping and handling fee will apply to mailed orders. For more information, please visit the website, email uhsgcomm@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 956-7410.

A Sea Grant College Program news release.

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