Emergency response training exercise to take place at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Oct. 23

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will conduct an emergency response exercise at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Friday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The full-scale triennial aircraft disaster exercise is a requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test emergency response protocols. The exercise will involve airport personnel and local response agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, coordination, response plans, responders' actions and operational effectiveness during a training exercise involving an emergency incident with a commercial aircraft. The exercise will simulate emergency rescue, triage, treatment, transport and reunification of passengers.

During the exercise, multiple agencies' equipment and personnel will be utilized. In addition to HNL and HDOT staff, participating agencies will include Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters, FAA, Transportation Security Administration, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Federal Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), Honolulu Emergency Services Department, state Department of Law Enforcement, Southwest Airlines, FedEx and American Red Cross. Approximately 125 volunteers from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene will participate as passengers in distress.

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

The public is asked to be aware of additional emergency vehicles and security personnel in the area and not to interfere or attempt to assist the training exercise. Any questions should be directed to the HDOT Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160.

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