Transportation department to conduct training at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is informing the public of two training exercises to be held at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) in November.

The Hawai‘i District Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters will conduct fire training at KOA on Nov. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exercise is a triennial requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters team will be testing its response protocol to a live emergency scenario involving burning fuel. The Department of Transportation informs the public that the exercise will produce smoke in the area.

On Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Department of Transportation will conduct an emergency response training exercise at KOA. The exercise, an FAA-certification requirement, tests airfield disaster preparedness and response and will simulate an aircraft emergency disaster at the airport.

Participating agencies will include KOA Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter, Hilo International Airport Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter, KOA staff, FAA, Transportation Security Administration, Hawai‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Kona Community Hospital, Southwest Airlines, American Medical Response and American Red Cross.

All flight operations will continue as normal. Motorists are asked to be aware of additional emergency vehicles, police, and security personnel along Keāhole Airport Road during the exercise and to please drive carefully. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Transportation Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160.