Residents and travelers in Hawai‘i may notice increased smoke and emergency activity near two major airports next week, but there is no cause for alarm—it is part of a routine training exercise for firefighting personnel. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that annual live fire training exercises will take place at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) from tomorrow through Wednesday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
This essential training is a mandatory event orchestrated to fulfill Federal Aviation Administration requirements, as live emergency scenarios will be enacted for the recertification of fire and rescue staff who specialize in aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) units who will be doing their maneuvers for the public's eventual safety despite the potentially alarming visual of billowing smoke and hustle of emergency vehicles that may ensue. The HDOT ensures that all appropriate safety measures will be in place during these drills. According to the HDOT blog post, the maneuvers will involve "testing response protocol to a live emergency scenario involving burning fuel."
Distinguishing itself from any actual crisis, these exercises will not interrupt the airports’ normal operations with all flight activity proceeding as scheduled, thus assurances come from authorities that there is no anticipated effect on passengers’ travel itineraries. The public, however, should be aware that the sight and smell of smoke is part of the controlled training operation. Any concerns or inquiries can be directed to the HDOT Public Affairs Office, with contact accessible at 808-587-2160 for those in need of more information or reassurance.
