HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 2026 (Kauai Economic Managment Agency)
KAUA‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY
FY 2026 BUDGET AND OPERATIONS SYNOPSIS
Elton Ushio
Administrator
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Department: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Fund: GENERAL FUND
1. FY 2024 to FY 2025 BUDGET COMPARSION
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2. MAJOR CHANGES AND/OR VARIANCES IN OPERATIONS BUDGET
The primary changes in KEMA’s budget are due to (1) contractual increases of multi-term contracts
and leases, (2) additional Starlink units and FirstNet subscriptions, (3) additional funding to
address cost-escalation affecting a current fiscal year UPS project for our 800 MHz radio system
and 911/Dispatch, (4) adjusting travel associated line items to better address current and
projected needs, and (5) an increase in our benefits by $30,791 or 8.8%. To ensure we are
adequately positioned to meet future obligations, we have made a strategic decision to increase
the allocation of our Other Post-Employment Benefits account across the board. This will provide
for flexibility in addressing any potential increases.
3. OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
KEMA experienced another active fiscal year, launching several ambitious projects and
engagements with federal, state, local, and private sector partners. While the hurricane season
was mild, it was offset by an exceptionally active wildfire season, with several significant incidents.
The evolving threat environment continues to shift, placing increasing demands on local
preparedness and resilience, as our steadfast military partners remind us of their prioritization on
homeland defense. This, along with our ongoing natural, human-caused and hybrid threats and
hazards have and will continue to affect our full spectrum of preparedness, mitigation, response
and recovery functions, putting continuous burden on our team.
Recent developments and uncertainties regarding federal partners and grant funding remain a
key focus for KEMA. We are closely monitoring potential impacts while optimizing the use of
current awards and maintaining readiness for future funding opportunities.
Fortunately, thanks to our Administration and the County Council, the current fiscal year
enhancements in staffing, training, and other operational areas have strengthened KEMA’s ability
to meet these challenges.
4. TOP 3 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2025
A. Major Federal Partner Collaborations
• FEMA Dam Safety Collaborative Technical Assistance Program
• Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Partnerships
KEMA partnered with the DLNR Dam Safety Program to serve as the county of focus in a FEMA
Dam Safety Collaborative Technical Assistance Program. This included several months of in-
person and virtual training sessions, as well as exercise deliveries. Participants from state,
county, and private sector organizations benefited from FEMA’s network of subject matter
experts nationwide.
Additionally, KEMA collaborated on multiple missions through the Department of Defense
Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, including:
• Product deliveries following the second round of updates to our Emergency Operations
Plan.
• The second round of Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) assessments for hurricane refuge
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facilities.
• An upcoming cybersecurity-focused mission scheduled for May 2025.
B. Severe Weather and Disaster Response
Various severe weather events impacted the county during FY25, including multiple Flash
Flood Warnings and Red Flag Warnings. Fortunately, the Central Pacific hurricane season was
milder than predicted.
KEMA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Incident Management Team (IMT), and whole-
community partners provided effective support during a highly active wildfire season,
particularly in response to the Hanapepe-Kaumakani and Kōke‘e fires.
C. Telecommunications Enhancements
KEMA continues to enhance system reliability through improvements, hardening measures,
and ongoing maintenance, while also supporting partner training. Notably, the continued
migration and integration of the FirstNet public safety broadband system has significantly
improved:
• Operational readiness
• Response capabilities
• Responder safety
• EOC situational awareness and partners’ common operating picture
These advancements have strengthened KEMA’s ability to support emergency
communications and coordination across the county.