Real-world experience: Full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise this week at Nāwiliwili Harbor

Kaua‘i County, in partnership with Hawai‘i National Guard’s 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, will host a full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise later this week at the island’s primary commercial harbor.

The simulation July 24 at Nāwiliwili Harbor on the southeast coast of the Garden Isle is part of a weeklong training series aimed at enhancing preparedness for hazardous materials incidents and natural or man-made disasters.

“This kind of training brings our teams together under realistic conditions so we can strengthen the partnerships and protocols that protect our community,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in an announcement about the upcoming training.

The full-scale exercise will be an all day “disaster” event, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with operations focused primarily at Nāwiliwili Harbor.

Participating agencies include Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard.

Officials ask for the public’s cooperation and awareness near training areas, especially around the harbor, and to avoid areas with marked emergency vehicles and personnel.

Training activities began July 20 and continue through July 25. They involve a variety of drills such as hazardous materials decontamination, survey and triage operations, communications testing and emergency operations coordination.

Key training locations include Kaiākea Fire Station, U.S. Coast Guard Station, Nāwiliwili Harbor and Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center.

“These exercises give our responders an opportunity to sharpen critical skills and improve coordination across agencies,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio in the announcement. “The more we train together, the stronger, more effective and more cohesive our response becomes during real-world events.”

Contact Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800 for additional information.

“Mahalo to all the agencies and personnel involved for your commitment to keeping Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau safe,” Kawakami said in the announcement.