The University of Â鶹´«Ã½–West Oʻahu recently hosted the 5th annual Â鶹´«Ã½ Threat Assessment Conference (HTAC), a statewide effort that brought together more than 200 attendees and a dozen national and local experts. In collaboration with the Â鶹´«Ã½ Office of Homeland Security, the event equipped participants with vital tools to enhance community safety across the islands.
This year¡¯s conference centered on “The Threat Continuum,” emphasizing the integration of threat prevention, management and response. By mastering both mitigation and rapid response, Â鶹´«Ã½ communities can better protect their residents.
“Making our communities safer through the incorporation of both mitigation strategies helps to limit injuries and loss of life, as well as potential liabilities,” said HTAC co-organizer and UH West Oʻahu¡¯s Director of Compliance Bev Baligad. “It should never be about choosing one over the other. Embracing efforts to support the entire threat continuum is the key.”
‘Preventative practice’
The conference featured speakers from the Honolulu Police Department, the FBI and other experts who shared strategies for today¡¯s rapidly changing environment.
“Threat assessment and management is very important because it¡¯s such a preventative practice that you can really get red flag warnings, you can see the concerning behaviors, and then you can act on it on the front end,” said Ed Howard, CEO of Pax Bello Security Solutions Â鶹´«Ã½, LLC.
By providing these training opportunities, the conference strengthens the state¡¯s capacity to identify risks early. Steven MacDonald, executive director of Safer Schools Together, highlighted the lasting impact of collaboration.
“This gathering shows the great work that¡¯s already been done across the islands, across the Pacific,” MacDonald said. “That¡¯s going to be one of the greatest ways for our communities to continue to grow and get stronger.”
With funding support from Homeland Security and Department of Justice grants, these efforts ensure Â鶹´«Ã½ remains at the forefront of community-wide safety and resilience.
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—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman