Kona International Airport to conduct triennial emergency response training exercise
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will conduct triennial emergency response training at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12.
The full-scale exercise, required every 3 years according to the Federal Aviation Administration, will evaluate emergency response plans, policies and procedures for a simulated emergency incident involving a commercial aircraft.
It will involve airport personnel and local response agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, coordination, responders’ actions and operational effectiveness in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and Homeland Security Administration standards.
Participating agencies include:
- Kona International Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.
- Hawai‘i Fire Department.
- Hawai‘i Police Department.
- Hawai‘i Civil Defense.
- Transportation Security Administration.
- National Transportation Safety Board.
- Hawai‘i National Guard.
- United Airlines.
- American Medical Response.
- American Red Cross.
- Allied Universal Security.
- Other Kona airport and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation staff.
About 80 volunteers from Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino High School and Hawai‘i Community College Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician Program also will role-play as passengers in distress.
Appropriate safety precautions will be in place throughout the exercise and all flight operations will continue as normal.
The public should be aware of increased emergency response vehicles, mass casualty equipment and security personnel, as well as simulated fire suppression, triage and emergency transport in designated airport locations.
Do not interfere or attempt to assist the training exercise.
Questions should be directed to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Public Affairs at 808-587-2160.
