LIHU‘E — Starting Monday, the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency will be hosting the annual, week-long Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team. The goal of the exercise is to ensure that
LIHU‘E — Starting Monday, the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency will be hosting the annual, week-long Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team.
The goal of the exercise is to ensure that Kaua‘i’s first responders are prepared in the unlikely event of a terrorist attack on the Garden Isle, a county news release says.
Among the county agencies that will be participating in the training are: the Kaua‘i Fire Department; Kaua‘i Police Department; Department of Public Works; and Department of Water.
Representatives of several state and federal agencies, along with private industry will also take part in the exercise.
Monday through Wednesday will entail classroom training. Field exercises will take place on Thursday around Nawiliwili Harbor as well as at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
Officials are asking the public to stay away from these areas while the exercises are being conducted.
“We’re asking for the public’s cooperation by staying clear of these locations so there’s no interference with the training,” said Mark Marshall, administrator of the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency.
He advised residents not to be alarmed if they notice a number of emergency vehicles along with National Guard troops moving about the island this week.
“When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing warning lights and sirens approaching, you should pull over to the side of the roadway in a safe manner and allow the first responder to pass,” said Marshall.
For more information about the WMD exercise, call the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency at 241-1800.
