Commercial airliner crash simulation at Līhu‘e Airport to bring multiple agencies together

A commercial airliner will “crash” in less than a week at Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i.

However, unlike other disasters, multiple agencies know the incident is happening and have a joint plan in place to respond in an effort to strengthen communication and coordination between first responders while assessing notification and response procedures.

The “crash” is the premise for an emergency response exercise from 9 a.m. to noon April 15 in the general aviation ramp area at the north end of Līhu‘e Airport.

Participating agencies include:

• Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
• Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters.
• Kaua‘i Fire Department.
• Kaua‘i Police Department.
• American Medical Response.
• Wilcox Medical Center.

Interagency communications, response plans and first responder actions will be tested and evaluated during the full-scale rescue operation simulation.

Each agency has unique capabilities that complement each other’s efforts and bolsters the overall success of the search-and-rescue system.

Multiple assets and personnel from each agency will be part of the simulation, as well as local volunteers playing “passengers in distress.”

Those expected and to be part of the exercise include:

• Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters and Kaua‘i Fire Department fire trucks.
• Ambulance crews from American Medical Response.
• Police vehicles from Kaua‘i Police Department and Allied Universal Security.
• Buses from Polynesian Adventures and Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School to transport volunteers.
• Medical personnel from Hawai‘i Department of Health and Wilcox Medical Center.

Response capacity of Kaua‘i first responders will not be affected during the exercise.

All flights will operate as scheduled; access to all public areas of Līhu‘e Airport and Ahukini Road will remain open.

Additional emergency vehicles and security personnel will be present in the airport area during the exercise. The public is advised not to interfere or attempt to assist.

Any questions should be directed to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Public Affairs at 808-587-2160.