The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is made up of Amateur Radio operators, who register their equipment and qualifications with ARES. These operators provide volunteer communications services in times of disaster or civil emergency.

The ARES national organization is comprised of smaller regional organizations, each being within an ARRL Section.   The Pacific Section ARES is managed by the Hawaii ARRL Pacific Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC).

Hawaii ARES is segmented into four counties, which are aligned with Hawaii Bureau of Homeland Security Regions. Each county is organized into districts, each having an assigned District Emergency Coordinator DEC). 

This web page serves the South Hawaii County District and is managed by the District Emergency Coordinator (DEC). There are Emergency Coordinators (EC) at the community level throughout the Districts.

Hawaii ARES members participate in NET (i.e. Network or on-the-air information gathering) operations, exercises and training. These activities may be organized at the statewide, county, district or community levels. Radio NETS are conducted using many types of radios and modes and can include HF, VHF and UHF digital and analog operations on repeaters or simplex (radio to radio) methods. They can be local, regional or global.

ARES is open to all Amateur Radio operators. You don't need to be a member of the ARRL to join ARES.

 Any Amateur Radio licensee may register as a Hawaii ARES member. 

 All that is needed is a current Amateur Radio License of any class and a willingness and desire to help your family, friends, neighbors and community in times of disaster.

There are no registration fees or dues associated with ARES membership. ARRL membership is not required to become a member of ARES.

Amateur Radio operators may participate in training in order to obtain qualifications beyond that of holding an Amateur Radio license. Such qualifications enable an Amateur Radio licensee to participate in Hawaii ARES at a higher level of service. Hawaii ARES Amateur Radio operators are encouraged to obtain additional training. 

The primary sources for Amateur Radio operators to obtain qualified training include mentoring  by qualified hams (Elmering), the ARRL and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute.  Resources for additional recommended training can be found on the "Training" page on this site.

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