In 1917, Queen Liliuokalani sewed a Red Cross flag that flew over Iolani Palace during World War I. Red Cross volunteers were busy in the Throne Room rolling up war bandages. The Hawaiian Red Cross was chartered as a chapter of the American Red Cross, and the flag was presented to the territorial governor on September 14, 1917.

Queen Liliuokalani proclaimed, “The flag is an expression of my warm and sincere sympathy for the cause of humanity.” Today, the original flag remains at Diamond Head Red Cross headquarters on Oahu.

Over the years, the Hawaii Red Cross has assisted victims of floods, fires, and health epidemics, to name just a few disasters. They trained people in first aid, water safety and home fire preparedness.

Additionally, they have assisted and supported active and retired US military members at home and abroad.

Recently, back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton caused unprecedented destruction in Florida and North Carolina. On September 26, Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm and carved a path from the Florida Gulf Coast to Tennessee.

Ten days later, Hurricane Milton strengthened in the warm waters of the Gulf from a Category 2 to a Category 5 in just a few hours and made landfall on the Florida coast on October 9 as a Category 3. The rainfall was more extensive and intense than predicted.

As of October 14, approximately 2,100 Red Cross responders are helping people in the Southeast cope with the immense loss. Severe weather events like these can affect Hawaii and we need to be prepared.

Multiple challenges

The American Red Cross faces multiple challenges due to the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. Globally, in the last decade, 83% of all natural disasters were triggered by extreme weather and climate-related phenomena. The humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis will be worse in the future without efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The August 8, 2023 Maui wildfire, caused in part by the climate crisis, was one of the largest wildfires in US history. Hawaii Red Cross workers quickly deployed to the scene, and many other Red Cross volunteers flew in from across the country to join the mission. Over the next six months, an estimated 32,700 people were reached by American Red Cross disaster and recovery services.

Serving overseas as a US State Department Family Liaison Officer, I helped prepare for and, when necessary, assisted in the evacuation of American officials serving overseas when disasters struck. After the Maui fires, like many others drawn to help during this disaster, I volunteered for the Hawaiian Red Cross. Then I became interested in how the climate crisis impacts the rescue, recovery and support mission of the Red Cross.

As the Red Cross responded to the fires in Maui and stayed on the ground to help with recovery, it was simultaneously preparing volunteers and supplies ahead of Hurricane Idalia along the Gulf Coast. At the same time, it responded to a typhoon in Guam and extreme flooding in the Northeast.

The Red Cross must be prepared to send volunteers to multiple disasters occurring simultaneously in different geographic locations, with the uncertainty of future weather events and the increasing intensity of disasters.

The climate crisis is increasing the likelihood of severe weather events in Pacific Island communities. Climate-driven impacts have led to the need to strategically increase Red Cross resources.

“Our changing climate is a humanitarian crisis for the communities and people we serve,” said Gail McGovern, former director general of the Red Cross, “and the more we work to adapt, the faster the needs grow. There is no time to wait.”

Instead of seasonal weather events, there are now year-round disasters. There are more events with increasing intensity. As a result, the Red Cross responds to more humanitarian events and needs more resources – shelters, volunteers and funding.

Our isolated island nation has fragile infrastructure and a complex supply chain. If a Category 4 or 5 hurricane were to blow through our islands, there would be considerable challenges for rescue and recovery.

“The American Red Cross is at a pivotal moment in our more than 140-year history,” said Noel Anderson, Red Cross Chief Sustainability Officer. “On the front lines of the climate crisis, our volunteers are working tirelessly to help families and communities struggling with the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters.”

The Red Cross has responded to the climate crisis by reducing emissions, reducing waste and reducing water use. It continued to invest in green energy and launched several pilot projects aimed at fleet electrification and sustainable supply. “Green Teams” have been launched, which are voluntary communities of employees and volunteers who actively promote sustainability efforts in their regions and business units.

In addition, the Red Cross urges the adoption of public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Without a reduction in emissions, the Earth will become even warmer than it is now, and climate-induced disasters will become more frequent and more extreme. Prevention is key, but when disasters strike, the Red Cross will be there.

Hawaiians are proud of their community and grassroots cohesion in disasters and disaster preparedness. There are many ways you can get involved and help.

More Red Cross volunteers are needed. The Red Cross has a well-developed training program for volunteers to participate with the Hawaii Red Cross in many capacities. The climate crisis is a humanitarian crisis. Like the Maui wildfires, no one believes it could happen here or that it could happen again — until it does.

A difference is made by every community, every group and every individual who chooses to volunteer or donate. Now is the time to get involved and step up to help the humanitarian mission of the Hawaii Red Cross.

For additional information, click here to learn how you can support your community.