Top 10 Contingencies Every Hawai‘i Organization Should Be Ready For
- VFS Team
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
In the wake of yesterday’s powerful earthquake off Kamchatka and the resulting tsunami warnings for Alaska and Hawai‘i, organizations across the islands were reminded just how quickly a crisis can unfold. While the warnings were lifted without major incident, the evacuations and alerts underscored the urgent need for robust contingency planning.
Whether you're a nonprofit, school, business, or government agency, here are 10 essential contingencies every Hawai‘i-based organization should be prepared for:
Seismic Events (Earthquakes & Tsunamis)
Hawai‘i’s location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it vulnerable to both local and distant seismic activity. Plans should include earthquake drills, tsunami evacuation routes, and structural assessments for seismic resilience.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
From June to November, the islands face the threat of powerful storms. Organizations must have protocols for storm tracking, facility shutdowns, backup power, and post-storm recovery.
Volcanic Eruptions
Eruptions from Kīlauea or Mauna Loa can disrupt entire communities. Contingency plans should address lava flow threats, air quality (vog), and alternate work arrangements.
Wildfires
As seen in the tragic 2023 Maui fires, Hawai‘i’s dry zones are increasingly at risk. Evacuation plans, fireproofing, and cloud-based backups for critical data are essential.
Economic Downturns
Tourism volatility and global economic shifts can hit Hawai‘i hard. Financial resilience strategies include diversifying revenue, maintaining reserves, and scenario planning.
Health Crises and Pandemics
COVID-19 showed how quickly a health emergency can disrupt operations. Plans should cover remote work, infection control, and workforce continuity.
Cybersecurity Incidents
With rising cyber threats, especially in finance and healthcare, organizations must invest in cyber hygiene training, secure infrastructure, and incident response protocols.
Supply Chain and Infrastructure Disruptions
Hawai‘i’s geographic isolation means any disruption to ports, airports, or utilities can be critical. Stockpiling essentials and securing alternate logistics are key.
Workforce Shortages and Labor Disruptions
Labor shortages and high turnover are ongoing challenges. Cross-training, flexible work policies, and employee well-being initiatives can help maintain continuity.
Regulatory and Geopolitical Shifts
From new federal policies to global trade tensions, external changes can ripple through Hawai‘i’s economy. Staying informed and adaptable is vital.
Resilience Starts with Readiness
The Kamchatka quake was a timely reminder: preparedness, like foresight in general, isn’t optional – it’s essential. By proactively addressing these ten contingencies, and by considering a chain of contingencies occurring, Hawai‘i’s organizations can protect their people, sustain operations, and recover swiftly when the unexpected strikes.
Contact us today for help identifying more of the diversifying risks facing organizations today.
For those looking for everything you need for a DIY foresight session, check out our new Foresight Playbooks, such as "The Futures of a Prolonged Global Trade War."
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