Moderator: Dr. Beamer Panelists: Chipper Wichman, Lei Wann, Billy Kinney
In April of 2018, the island of Kauaʻi experienced a catastrophic rainfall event that would later be dubbed a "rainbomb." The resulting flooding, landslides, and damage to roads and bridges left communities from Hanalei to Hāʻena inaccessible except by boat for weeks. Plenary Panel One brings together three respected community leaders of Hāʻena—Chipper Wichman, Lei Wann, and Billy Kinney. They will share personal stories about the storm’s immediate aftermath and longer-term impacts, the way ‘ohana and community showed up for each other in new and known ways, and six years on, the lessons that were learned from this natural disaster. Key topics of this panel include the unprecedented severity of the rainbomb and its impacts to ʻāina and people, the application of traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices in response and recovery efforts, and the crucial leadership and organizing roles communities organizations play in disaster relief and long-term rebuilding. Additionally, this panel will highlight innovative, homegrown solutions that emerged out of crisis. This powerful discussion will showcase the resilience of rural communities in the face of extraordinary challenges, offering valuable insights and inspiration.
Moderator: Dr. Beamer
Panelists: Chipper Wichman, Lei Wann, Billy Kinney
