Ask the Mayor: How Can I Limit the Number of County Text Alerts I Receive?

Maui county logo. File image.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor Arakawa,

Q: I previously signed up for the county’s text message alerts, but I’ve been bombarded with a lot of notifications recently. Is there a way to limit the types and number of messages I receive?

A: Yes, you can easily manage these notifications through the county’s new emergency alert system, Maka‘ala, which uses the Everbridge system.

If you were previously receiving alerts through CivicPlus, you should have received a notice to re-enroll for the Maka‘ala alerts, which will allow you to customize the levels of notification you prefer, for which geographic areas, and the manner in which you want to receive alerts (i.e. cell phone call, text, email, fax, landline or all of the above). This way, you decide which kind of information you need most.

It is recommended, at minimum, to sign up for all tropical cyclone and tsunami notifications, as well as warning-level flood notifications.

Just go online and click on the Maka‘ala link on the far left. If you need help, call Civil Defense at 270-7285 and our Emergency Management staff would be happy to assist you in setting up or managing your account.

With two storm systems approaching our islands, you should already be taking steps to prepare such as stockpiling seven days of non-perishable food, water and medications, filling up your gas tanks, making a family emergency plan and clearing your yard of any debris or items that could become airborne missiles in high winds.

I know our residents are somewhat fatigued by these kinds of reminders, but now is not the time to become complacent. Storm systems in Asia and the Caribbean have already killed more than a dozen people this year, so it is far better to be safe than sorry.

Please take needed precautions now, so if and when a storm comes you can stay off the roads. Stay safe, everyone, and stay connected.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.