KAPAIA — A mock exercise in how to handle a pipe bomb that exploded in a chemical storage facility at the Kauai Power Partners plant off Ma‘alo Road in Kapaia was the focus of the last Weapons of Mass Destruction
KAPAIA — A mock exercise in how to handle a pipe bomb that exploded in a chemical storage facility at the Kauai Power Partners plant off Ma‘alo Road in Kapaia was the focus of the last Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise held this week.
In the scenario, a person at an alternative-energy demonstration throws a bomb into the building, said LTC Stanley Toy, Hawai‘i National Guard 93d Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) commander.
Such training is held once a year on Kaua‘i.
The WMD-CST was involved in scenarios held starting Tuesday on Kaua‘i. Civilian workers from the federal Department of Homeland Security observed the drills. Local officials involved included members of the Kaua‘i Police and Fire Departments and the state Department of Health. Food and refreshments were provided by Red Cross mass care volunteers.
Friday’s incident commander was Incident Commander Mike Andrade of the Kaua‘i Fire Department.
“It’s not if it’s going to happen, but when it’s going to happen,” he said of the potential for the real thing happening on Kaua‘i. “Not to say it’s definitely going to occur, but that’s why we train for this.”
Andrade said seven workers trapped inside the power plan were “rescued.” Rescuers donned “Level A” protective suits and breathing apparatus to protect themselves from a possible mixture of caustic acids in the “hot zone” while gathering chemical samples and doing an initial cleanup.
“When it comes to WMD training, interoperations amongst emergency responders is the most efficient approach to mitigation,” Toy said. “Unlike other incidents in the state, the police department has taken the lead on-scene more,” he said.
In most training scenarios and real-life incidents, the local fire department takes command, Toy said, with police departments providing backup support.
The National Guard’s CST can be dispatched within four hours of notification. They assist with assessment, planning and coordination with state and federal agencies. They have a mobile chemical analysis lab and can provide Internet, telephone, fax and radio via satellite and mobile command suite. The KPD’s new communications vehicle was also on scene.
“With this scenario, our main priority is to make sure everyone is safe,” said KPD Lt. K.C. Lum, incident public information liaison.
Were Friday’s exercise an actual attack, police would have blocked roads for two miles around the power plant to keep people from entering a potentially dangerous area. Nearby homes and businesses would be evacuated too if needed.
The state Department of Health’s Noise, Radiation and Indoor Air Quality branch was on their first neighbor-island training exercise during the exercise. Branch Manager Russell S. Takata said the radiological response team provides expertise in protecting those involved from exposure to chemicals and radioactive materials.
Tuesday’s WMD incident was held at a water tank in Puhi, KPD Sgt. Paul Kanoho acting as incident commander. On Wednesday teams gathered at Vidinha Stadium, KFD Battalion Chief Mitch Ikeda as incident commander. And on Thursday, operations were held at Nawiliwili Harbor, KPD Lt. K.C. Lum was incident commander.
