Kona Airport to conduct triennial emergency response exercise Nov. 12

KAILUA-KONA, Hawai'i - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will conduct an emergency response training exercise at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This full-scale exercise, which is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be held every three years, will evaluate emergency response plans, policies, and procedures for a simulated emergency incident with a commercial aircraft in compliance with FAA and Homeland Security Administration standards. The exercise will involve airport personnel and local response agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, coordination, responders' actions and operational effectiveness.

In addition to KOA and HDOT staff, participating agencies will include KOA Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Hawai'i Fire Department, Hawai'i Police Department, Hawai'i Civil Defense, Transportation Security Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, Hawai'i National Guard, United Airlines, American Medical Response, American Red Cross and Allied Universal Security. Approximately 80 volunteers from Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino High School and Hawai'i Community College's Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician Program will role play as passengers in distress.

Appropriate safety precautions will be in place throughout the exercise and all flight operations will continue as normal.

The public is advised to be aware of increased emergency response vehicles, mass casualty equipment and security personnel, as well as simulated fire suppression, triage, and emergency transport across designated airport locations. The public should not interfere or attempt to assist the training exercise.

Any questions should be directed to the HDOT Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160.

# # #

Media contact:

HDOT Public Affairs Office

Phone: 808-587-2160

Email: [email protected]