The HWC plays an essential role in rescue and rehabilitation of native birds and bats in Hawaii, and additionally provides valuable support and leadership to state- and region-wide planning and training for response to natural and manmade disasters. There is no other facility in Hawaii that is able to provide such a high level of care for Hawai‘i's precious native wildlife. The HWC has been a leader in engaging community volunteers in the operation of the center, for everything from helping to provide a clean and sterile facility for sick and injured wildlife, to educating visitors to the center, to private aircraft providing transport of injured birds.