Hilo International Airport is gearing up to conduct a major emergency response exercise this Thursday, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT). In a public announcement, HDOT detailed that from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 18, airport personnel and local agencies will fully test their emergency protocols during a simulated catastrophe involving two commercial airliners. The drill meets a triennial mandate by the Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring that the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders in disaster response are up to par.
HDOT has outlined the exercise as a collaborative effort, with the FAA, Hawai‘i Police and Fire Departments, and other essential services participating. A range of assets and personnel will be put into play, including local volunteers acting as passengers in distress. On the list of involved parties are also the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters, airlines, the Transportation Security Administration, Red Cross, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, among others. The Hilo Benioff Medical Center and American Medical Response are to provide medical support, while the Youth Challenge Academy is also contributing to the effort.
The public can expect to see an increased presence of emergency vehicles and security personnel in the vicinity of the airport on the day of the drill. Officials have stressed that all flight operations will continue as expected, with all safety precautions in place to ensure the drill does not disrupt regular activities. HDOT advises the public to avoid attempting to assist or interfere with the training exercise.
Questions regarding the upcoming exercise can be directed towards the HDOT Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160. They are prepared to handle any inquiries and provide further information about the scope and intent of the planned activities. For more information on this exercise, a detailed description is available on the HDOT blog.
