Department of Defense

The Hawaii Department of Defense oversees the Hawaii National Guard — including Army and Air National Guard units — the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and the state's civil defense and disaster preparedness programs. It coordinates with federal military authorities on National Guard deployments and manages the state's role in emergency response planning. The department also administers veteran services programs and manages military facilities under state jurisdiction.

The Department of Defense's emergency management planning and Hawaii National Guard readiness directly affect how the state responds to natural disasters, which are a serious and ongoing risk for island communities. Residents benefit from following the department's disaster preparedness guidance and knowing how to access emergency services.