Caption Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett announces the launch of a new evacuation planning and notification system called “Genasys Protect” during a Monday press conference. Photo courtesy MEMA

The Maui Emergency Management Agency will launch a new evacuation planning and notification system, Genasys Protect, on May 1 in an effort to improve emergency communications across Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi.

The platform, announced by MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett, will provide real-time alerts, live zone updates and predetermined evacuation maps through a mobile app in the event of hazards to public safety.

According to MEMA, the system is intended to support coordination among first responders and deliver targeted public alerts during emergencies such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis and infrastructure failures.

“New Genasys Protect evacuation alerts — when combined with MEMA alerts, WEA, EAS and sirens — create a powerful, multilayered system that ensures timely, reliable communication,” Lonokailua-Hewett said in a news release. “This will help save lives and enhance public safety during emergencies.”

The app, available for Apple and Android devices, enables users to follow specific zones and receive notifications through their mobile phones or web browsers. Users are encouraged to look up their evacuation zones, follow them in the app and post the zone ID in a visible place at home.

Genasys Protect will be used alongside other emergency communication tools, including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, Hawaiʻi’s All-Hazard Siren System and door-to-door notifications conducted by Maui police and fire officials.

MEMA is encouraging all residents and visitors to download the Genasys Protect app and sign up for MEMA Alerts at MauiCounty.gov/MEMA. Subscribers can choose how they receive messages, including landline calls, texts, emails and cell phone notifications.

MEMA will host several outreach events where the public can learn about the platform and register for alerts:

• April 12: Emergency Preparedness Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Queen Kaʻahumanu Center

• April 26: Taro Fest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hāna Ballpark

• May 10: Molokaʻi Resource Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• July 5: Lānaʻi Pineapple Festival, 1 to 9 p.m., Dole Park

The Genasys platform is used in more than 100 countries and sectors including public safety, defense and emergency management. To view zone maps or download the app, go to protect.genasys.com.