Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is organizing a comprehensive emergency response exercise at Līhu‘e Airport on April 15. This exercise is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and involves a collaboration between HDOT's Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF) and several mutual aid partners, including the Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD), Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD), American Medical Response (AMR), and Wilcox Medical Center.

The exercise, focused on mass rescue, will be conducted in the north general aviation ramp area of the airport. It aims to evaluate interagency communications, response plans, and responders’ actions in a scenario simulating the crash of a commercial airliner. This initiative is designed to assess and improve response procedures between first responders and enhance the coordination and communication during search and rescue (SAR) incidents.

“Each agency holds unique capabilities that complement each other’s efforts and bolsters the overall success of the SAR system,” reads a statement from the organizers. Importantly, the exercise will not disrupt normal flight operations, and access to public areas of the airport and Ahukini Road will remain open.

Assets and personnel from several agencies will participate, using local volunteers to mimic distressed passengers. Participants include ARFF and KFD fire trucks, AMR ambulance crews, KPD police vehicles, and Allied Universal Security personnel. Buses from Polynesian Adventures and the Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School will be utilized for transporting volunteers, along with medical personnel from the Department of Health and Wilcox Medical Center.

It's emphasized that Kaua‘i emergency responders’ capacity to handle real incidents will not be impacted. Residents and visitors are advised to expect increased activity from emergency vehicles and security personnel in the area and are urged not to disrupt or attempt involvement in the training exercise.

For further inquiries, the public can contact the HDOT Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160.