Full-Scale, Multi-Agency Exercises Set For Next Week

County and state agencies and other emergency response partners are conducting joint training and exercises on Kaua‘i that started this week with the Hawai’i National Guard’s 93rd Civil Support Team (CST).

On Thursday, July 14, a full-scale weapons of mass destruction (WMD) exercise will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kaua‘i Community College (KCC) campus. Access to the KCC Campus Center, Fine Arts Auditorium, and overflow parking lot will be limited to exercise staff and participants for the duration of the exercise.

“We are grateful to the participating agencies for dedicating their time and expertise in these crucial emergency exercises,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “The skills that are practiced and lessons learned during this training will benefit our first responders and the people of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.”

Participating in the various events include the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD), and Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD). Other participants include Kaua‘i Community College, Hawai‘i Department of Health, Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Various training events will occur leading up to a full-scale exercise.

Officials are asking for the public’s cooperation by staying clear of any obvious or marked areas and exercise-related vehicles, equipment and personnel. Trainings are ongoing at the KCC Auditorium in Līhu‘e, former Foodland in Kapa‘a, and the Kaiakea fire station.

“The exercises aim to ensure that Kaua‘i’s first responders will be better prepared for WMD events as well as a broad spectrum of natural and man-made disasters,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Administrator Elton Ushio. “The skills learned will also be applicable to hazardous materials incidents as well as events that require multi-agency, multi-discipline coordination, and interoperable communications.”

For more information about the exercise, please call the Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.