Homeowners Handbooks

In 2007 Dennis Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto of the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant co-authored a community specific Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards. The handbook targets the average homeowner and is based on three main principles: (1) make it easy to read and understandable to the average homeowner, with pictures and step-by-step instruction; (2) educate and inform the homeowner of hazard risk in their area, because homeowners won't act unless they believe there is a chance that a hazard can happen; and (3) offer as many options or solutions to the homeowner as possible that are relevant, reasonable and cost effective, even providing options the homeowner can do themselves after consulting with a licensed professional. Essentially, the Handbook does as much homework for the homeowner as possible. Since 2007, the Hawaii Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards has gone through 8 print runs with over 65,000 copies. The handbook has been adapted by 7 other Sea Grant programs, providing assistance to homeowners in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Texas.