HPAG GRAND STRATEGY Circa 2023
WHITE PAPER: GRAND STRATEGY – HAWAI’I PACIFIC ADVISORY GROUP
Executive Summary:
The Hawaii Pacific Advisory Group (HPAG) is dedicated to ensuring that assistance reaches those in need, as occurred in our communities impacted by the Maui wildfires. It does this by fostering effective communication and coordination across all systems involved in both response and recovery aspects that impact Hawai’i.
Our vision is to serve as a vital bridge connecting affected communities with resource providers to deliver the right help at the right time. Upholding our core values, including ‘Olelo Hawai’i and aloha aina, we are committed to systems-based recommendations, networking, cultural awareness, and community-based feedback and resources.
HPAG's strategic framework includes developing valuable resources, identifying impacted communities and their needs, and ensuring continuity of operations (COOP).
Our organizational structure, marked by voluntary membership and multidisciplinary expertise, is sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO), the Hawai’i Pacific Foundation (HPF), led by the Chair of HPF, and operates as a "Consortia" or "Hui," maximizing the use of video conferencing and multi-faceted systems integration.
Introduction: Disasters like the Maui wildfires pose significant challenges to Hawaii's communities. Timely and coordinated assistance is vital to mitigate their impact. Hawaii Pacific Advisory Group (HPAG) is committed to addressing this challenge through a well-defined grand strategy.
This white paper outlines HPAG's mission, vision, values, and key principles that anchor its operations. Mission Statement and Vision: Mission Statement: HPAG's mission is to ensure that help reaches where it's needed most during disasters like the Maui wildfires, facilitating effective systemic communication and coordination between all levels of response and support.
Vision: Our vision is to serve as a vital bridge between affected communities and resource providers, ensuring that the right help reaches the right place at the right time.
Core Values: HPAG is guided by a set of core values that underpin our operations:
Systems-Based Recommendation /Consultation/Improvement: We are dedicated to providing well-researched, data-driven recommendations for disaster response and recovery. We engage in consultation with diverse shareholders and continuously seek improvement in our strategies and seek ways to liaise with all of those seeking to “Malama” or provide support.
Networking/Collaboration/Liaison/Coordination: Effective disaster response demands collaboration and coordination. We actively engage in networking, liaison, and coordination efforts to forge strong partnerships and maximize our impact. We value the inherited capability and resources of the Hawaiian community by ensuring they are first sought and included in matters impacting their recovery and perpetuating resilience.
Cultural Awareness/Involvement/Participation: We acknowledge the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in disaster response and recovery. We actively involve and participate with diverse communities, respecting ‘Olelo Hawai’i and cultural traditions, understanding that as stewards we are all responsible to aloha aina, and respecting and restoration needs to be sought first to ensure the sanctity of the aina is kept in the forefront.
Building Community-Based Feedback/Resources/Capacity: We empower communities to actively participate in their own recovery. Their feedback is the driver for the long-term sustainability of any plan of action developed for restoration and prevention in the Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning process.
By gathering and incorporating community feedback, mobilizing local resources, and building community capacity to enhance their resilience and increase social capital for all involved in the process. Strategic Imperatives:
Overview: HPAG Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
HPAG's Concept of Operations (CONOPS) is its guiding framework for disaster response and recovery efforts. It defines our overarching strategy, goals, and coordination mechanisms, ensuring a unified and effective approach. Implementation:
1. Strategic Direction: We establish a clear strategic direction within our CONOPS that outlines HPAG's mission, objectives, and desired outcomes. Emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between affected communities and resource providers.
2. Coordination Mechanisms: Efficient coordination mechanisms are developed to facilitate seamless communication between HPAG, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), and other relevant shareholders. Clear roles and responsibilities are defined to ensure the smooth flow of information and resources.
3. Flexibility: Recognizing the evolving nature of disaster response, our CONOPS is designed to be adaptable to changing circumstances, allowing for swift adjustments to address the exigent nature of disaster response, recovery, and COOP requirements as well as meeting any identified service gaps effectively.
Assessment of Resources Overview: The Assessment of Resources involves a comprehensive evaluation of all available resources, both within HPAG and through external partnerships, including human resources, expertise, equipment, and funding that could aid in the response, recovery, and COOP operations as they occur. Implementation:
1. Resource Inventory: HPAG will develop a detailed inventory of its internal resources, including members' skills and expertise, network and collaborations, technological assets, and access to financial resources. This inventory serves as a tool that will assist in supporting existing response, recovery, or COOP actions taking place and possibly seeking further resources if needed.
2. External Partnerships: We collaborate with external partners, such as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the University of Hawaii, the National Disaster Preparation Training Center, Asia America Initiative, USARPAC/Army Futures Command, and others, to assess their contributions and capabilities. This assessment ensures that HPAG leverages all available resources efficiently and maximizes its disaster response capacity.
3. Funding Strategies: To sustain our operations and initiatives, we develop strategies for securing funding through grants, donations, or other means. Funding is essential to support HPAG's mission and its ability to respond effectively during disasters.
Methodology Focused Overview: HPAG's Methodology is a deliberate systemic approach that prioritizes active engagements with affected communities. It focuses on understanding the unique needs, priorities, challenges, and concerns of each valued Hawaiian community, ensuring that relief efforts are customized and tailored to their specific requirements.
It also seeks to find service and technology gaps that could be filled by either existing community resources or working with shareholders to create new ones. Implementation:
1. Community Needs Assessment: As part of our community-based approach, during the response, recovery, and COOP operations, HPAG will assess either directly or via collaboration with community partners, how affected communities identify their specific needs, cultural concerns, and priorities. Community leaders and representatives will be actively sought to participate in this process, ensuring that community voices are heard.
2. Tailored Solutions: Based on the data of the needs assessment, HPAG develops customized solutions for each community. These solutions are designed to be culturally sensitive and responsive to the community's values and traditions. As evident, with its efforts to increase fire surveillance and communicate GIS data to the community, HPAG's commitment to tailored solutions is designed with the intent to benefit first the affected communities.
3. Continuous Feedback: HPAG establishes channels for ongoing communication and feedback loops with affected communities through participation in community-led meetings and inviting shareholders to HPAG meetings and sponsored events. This commitment to continuous engagement allows HPAG to adapt its strategies and initiatives based on the evolving needs and concerns expressed by the communities. It ensures that HPAG remains responsive and relevant throughout the disaster response, recovery, COOP planning, and operations.
In conclusion, HPAG is steadfast in its commitment to serving Hawaii's communities during times of disaster. Our mission, vision, core values, and anchoring principles provide a robust framework for our actions. With a diverse membership, strong partnerships, and a dedication to cultural awareness and community engagement, HPAG is well-prepared to fulfill its mission of ensuring the right help reaches the right place at the right time.
