Island Caucus

The NTHMP Island Caucus was formed in February, 2016, as an informal way to share ideas and collaborate on tsunami issues unique to islands.

The NTHMP Island Caucus was formed on approval of the NTHMP Coordinating Committee at its meeting of February 5, 2016.

The Island Caucus was created to provide a forum for the members of the NTHMP who are on islands or have significant island chains (Alaska) to focus on the risks associated with the development and maintenance of a comprehensive tsunami preparedness and response program that meets the needs of the islands. Although attendance at Island Caucus gatherings is open to all, the core members are representatives from areas listed below.

There are many others who provide valued guidance and support: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, National Weather Service, International Tsunami Information Center, University of Hawaii, University of Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program, as well as other NTHMP partners.

The scope of activities and membership of the Island Caucus are defined in the Terms of Reference.

Membership for the NTHMP Island Caucus includes representatives from:

  • American Samoa
  • Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Puerto Rico
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Alaska

Leadership and Membership

The NTHMP Island Caucus has two Co-Chairs:

  • Wildaomaris Gonzales-Ruiz, Puerto Rico
  • Elizabeth Vanacore, Puerto Rico Seismic Network, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Members (as of February, 2019)

  • Vinnie Atofau, American Samoa Dept. of Homeland Security/Emergency Management
  • Kwok Fai Cheung, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
  • Mario Kaipat, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Dept. Homeland Security
  • Ronald Obispo, Guam Dept. of Homeland Security
  • Chip Guard, NWS Forecast Office, Guam
  • Savanna Holloway-Ledo, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
  • Julie Fujimoto, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
  • Dr. Victor Huerfano, Puerto Rico Seismic Network, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
  • Carlos Irigoyen, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau
  • Laura Kong, International Tsunami Information Center (NWS Pacific Region)
  • Elinor Lutu-McMoore, NWS Forecast Office, American Samoa
  • Antonina Paselio, American Samoa Dept. of Homeland Security/Emergency Management
  • Elizabeth Vanacore, Puerto Rico Seismic Network, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
  • Jonathan Villagomez, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Dept. Homeland Security
  • Christa von Hillebrandt-Andrade, Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program (ITIC/NWS Pacific Region)
  • Roy Watlington, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Vacant (ex-officio), NTHMP Administrator