As reported by Genasys, the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has awarded a four-year contract to Genasys Inc. for the deployment of two critical safety tools: Genasys EVAC and TRAFFIC AI by Ladris.
These systems are intended to bolster emergency management efforts on the island of Maui, where recent wildfire events underscored the need for rapid, coordinated responses.
The contract emphasizes MEMA’s commitment to enhanced public safety through advanced technology.
Maui County faced severe wildfire damage in 2023, including in Lahaina and surrounding areas.
Mayor Richard Bissen commented on the contract award, saying that these tools will enable officials to make more informed decisions and improve disaster preparedness across the island.
Bissen said: “These advanced planning and communication tools will allow us to respond more effectively to future emergencies, including making data-driven evacuation decisions.”
Genasys EVAC, a core part of the Genasys Protect platform, is designed to help emergency managers and first responders quickly identify areas at risk, implement evacuation plans, and communicate essential updates to the public.
The system uses intelligent zoning to manage evacuation and shelter-in-place orders, and it offers location-based alerts via the Genasys Protect mobile app, ensuring timely notifications for citizens during crises.
TRAFFIC AI works alongside EVAC by providing emergency managers with real-time traffic insights.
This feature is essential for coordinating safe evacuation routes and helping residents leave affected areas efficiently.
TRAFFIC AI’s data integration assists in managing traffic flow and improving overall evacuation processes, enhancing the effectiveness of response efforts.
Deployment of the Genasys EVAC and TRAFFIC AI systems is set to begin in January 2025, following a comprehensive review process involving several local agencies.
MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett emphasized the collaboration with key stakeholders, including first responders, fire and police departments, and state partners.
He stated: “Our key stakeholders – our fire, police, dispatchers, state partners, and many others – will be providing input on the initial evacuation zones the software will create for each area.”
This cooperative approach allows MEMA to leverage local expertise, combining community knowledge with the capabilities of Genasys’s technology.
These insights will play a vital role in refining the system’s zoning and alerting features, preparing it for seamless integration into Maui’s emergency response framework.
The integration of EVAC and TRAFFIC AI is expected to improve MEMA’s ability to respond effectively to future emergencies, enhancing public safety throughout Maui.
By utilizing real-time traffic data and situational insights, the systems provide a comprehensive tool for managing critical situations, minimizing risks, and protecting residents and visitors.
Genasys Inc. CEO Richard Danforth expressed support for the partnership with MEMA, stating: “Our goal is to provide advanced tools that enhance public safety and ensure that residents and visitors receive timely and accurate information during emergencies.”
Danforth noted that the contract reflects Genasys’s dedication to leveraging technology to support public safety.
Genasys Inc. has secured a four-year contract with the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to implement Genasys EVAC and TRAFFIC AI by Ladris on the island.
The tools are designed to improve Maui’s emergency response through advanced alerting and traffic management, addressing issues highlighted by recent wildfires.
The EVAC system will facilitate targeted emergency alerts, while TRAFFIC AI will support route management during evacuations.
Deployment will begin in January 2025 with input from Maui’s fire, police, and other agencies to ensure effective zoning.
The initiative marks a focused effort by MEMA to enhance public safety and prepare for future emergencies.
