Pāhoa Resilience Hub Builds Capacity with Certified Chainsaw Training Team

Another Hawaiʻi Island community has boosted its disaster preparedness with the launch of a certified chainsaw training team—growing the network to five teams islandwide, a powerful step toward building resilience across our communities. Led by instructor Justin Barrios of Backyard Monkey, the Pāhoa Resilience Hub now has eight members certified in chainsaw safety, felling, and maintenance.

“Lower Puna is a large area with numerous albizia and other invasive trees. Knowing that unforeseen events and disasters can occur, we recognized the need to prioritize a chainsaw training team so we can be better prepared to support our community,” noted representatives of the Pāhoa Resilience Hub.

This training highlights the importance of equipping community members with practical skills that make a difference in times of need. Chainsaw training goes beyond tools and techniques—it strengthens the community’s ability to clear roads, remove hazards, and respond quickly after storms or emergencies.

“As a trained CERT member, combining my knowledge with chainsaw training has strengthened my ability to respond more effectively during disasters and emergencies—not only within my community, but island-wide when needed,” expressed Laurence Frane of the Pāhoa Resilience Hub.

With each training, we see how preparation builds resilience. The Pāhoa Resilience Hub is investing in readiness so that when challenges arise, their community is able to act.