Seven members of South Carolina State Fire's Palmetto Incident Support Team (IST) will head to Hawaii to assist with response and recovery efforts following flash flooding in parts of the state. Governor Henry McMaster authorized the deployment as Hawaii recovers from its worst flooding in more than two decades.
In recent weeks, back-to-back storms have dumped record-breaking rainfall across the islands causing an estimated $1 billion in damage. While deployed, IST members will integrate into the Honolulu County Emergency Operations Center and support ongoing operations in coordination with local, state, and federal partners.
"South Carolina has seen firsthand how devastating flooding can be. When we have faced disasters, other states have offered their support," Governor McMaster said. "Now, it is our turn to do the same for the people of Hawaii. I am confident these seven members of our Palmetto Incident Support Team will provide critical assistance and help the Honolulu community begin to recover."
The deployment is coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the national mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance. South Carolina has previously supported Hawaii through EMAC, including deploying a mitigation specialist and an Individual Assistance officer following flooding in 2018, as well as providing remote A-Team support during the 2023 wildfires.
State Fire Marshall Jonathan Jones adds the deployment reflects the division's role in supporting national incident management efforts.
"Our team is prepared to integrate quickly, provide experienced support, and help sustain ongoing operations in Honolulu," Jones said. It reinforces our mission to be the focal point for service and support to save lives and property, both within South Carolina and beyond."