The Waikiki Pre-Disaster Recovery Framework - Draft 1
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Executive Summary
The Waikiki Pre-Disaster Recovery Framework (PDRF) is a product of the Waikiki Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Project, conducted through a partnership between the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association (WBIDA) and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDTPC) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. By planning for recovery before disaster strikes, the project aims to facilitate a quick and successful recovery for Waikiki, a district which has significant historic, cultural, and economic importance for the State. Based on the principles of FEMA’s National Disaster Recovery Framework, the Waikiki PDRF establishes recovery priorities and identifies key operational roles and responsibilities within the community. The PDRF is a guide for decision-making, and should not be considered a tactical or field manual. It is hoped that the WBIDA and other Waikiki stakeholders will use the Waikiki PDRF to further the recovery planning and coordination process both before and after a disaster.
The Planning Process
The planning process included the following steps: 1) extensive research on recovery principles and planning, 2) a vulnerability assessment of Waikiki, 3) stakeholder engagement and input, and 4) framework development. Through stakeholder and community engagement, recovery goals and a shared vision for recovery were identified. These goals include the safety of residents and visitors, restoration of economic activity and the environment, and a stronger, more sustainable community – all achieved through a collaboration across multiple sectors.
Authorization
Pre-disaster legal authorization is needed for well-executed post-disaster recovery. One vehicle to establish clear lines of authority after a disaster is a local recovery ordinance. This framework presents a draft Waikiki recovery ordinance, based on the American Planning Association’s Model Recovery Ordinance. This draft ordinance proposes authorizing a recovery organization and activities under the WBIDA. Alternatively, a Memorandum of Agreement between the WBIDA and others may be another vehicle to establish recovery authorities and responsibilities prior to a disaster.
Recovery Operations
This framework proposes a recovery organizational structure consisting of five (5) core staff reporting to a Recovery Coordinator. These include coordinator positions for Planning, Finance and Administration, Safety, Outreach, and Operations. The Operations Liaison would coordinate recovery operational activities through five (5) operations support function branches: Infrastructure, Debris Management, Economy, Community Services, and Natural and Cultural Resources.
Long-Term Redevelopment
Once recovery transitions into long-term recovery, redevelopment plans should include strategies to reduce risk to future disasters and make improvements to development patterns which increase sustainability, economic viability, housing accessibility and connectivity within the community. Based on existing vulnerabilities and stakeholder input, this framework presents strategies to reduce risk (both physical and regulatory) and alternatives for redevelopment.
Moving Forward
Moving forward, it is important to remember that pre-disaster recovery planning is a process – where priorities and information will continue to evolve, requiring further planning. The Waikiki PDRF is a conceptual framework that starts the process of establishing a recovery organization and its authority, and promotes options for developing a more resilient and sustainable Waikiki.