LIHU‘E — One of the anti-terrorism-training exercises may cause the closures of Hehi Road leading to Hanama‘ulu Beach Park in Hanama‘ulu, and Ahukini Road near Ahukini State Recreational Pier this morning, officials said. The exercise, part of the Hawaii Army
LIHU‘E — One of the anti-terrorism-training exercises may cause the closures of Hehi Road leading to Hanama‘ulu Beach Park in Hanama‘ulu, and Ahukini Road near Ahukini State Recreational Pier this morning, officials said.
The exercise, part of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 93rd Civil Support Team’s annual Kaua‘i exercises in preparation for an unlikely terrorist attack, will take place at Lihu‘e Airport, and will also involve waters around the airport, officials added.
Kaua‘i Police Department Capt. Ale Quibilan said his department’s personnel will work to make the impact of the exercise as minimal as possible.
Quibilan, with members of KPD, Kaua‘i Civil Defense, CST, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i district health office of the state Department of Health, county prosecutor’s office, Office of the Mayor, and others, were in training most of the day yesterday to familiarize themselves with the equipment and policies that they’ll use later this week, including today, he said.
At least three scenarios are planned, utilizing all types of personnel and equipment, he said. This year, the Transportation Security Agency, Lihu‘e Airport personnel and DOH officials wanted to test their emergency plans, and scenarios were developed with them in mind, Quibilan said.
The training exercise involving the airport is scheduled for this morning, while the DOH event is planned for Thursday, April 14, at Vidinha Stadium.
In Thursday’s exercise, simulating a bioterrorist attack, around 600 volunteers are needed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
They will be given $5 vouchers for their efforts, which can be redeemed at Foodland stores, Ishihara Market, shops at Kukui Grove Center, or Big Kmart.
Participants will be asked to fill out forms, be evaluated, and receive fake medication, in a drive-through distribution of antiterrorism medicines part of BTEX 2005 (Bioterrorism Emergency Preparedness Exercise).
The training session includes a mock drive-through clinic. The clinic is said to be the first of its kind staged in the United States.
Experts from Alaska, Arizona and New York will observe and evaluate the drill.
Participants should enter the stadium area off Kapule Highway.
