FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Civil Support Teams from seven states, along with federal, state and local agencies, are scheduled to participate in an interagency maritime field training exercise, Kai Malu ‘O Hawaii 2012, slated to kick off at the Honolulu Harbor April 24, at 8:00 a.m. and may last up to 36 hours.
The intent of this exercise will allow harbor personnel, emergency medical services, fire, police and emergency preparedness officials to test their roles in response to a simulated weapon of mass destruction incident and to validate the Area Maritime Security Response Plan in Hawaii.
“Even a small scale attack directed at a maritime target in Hawaii could disrupt maritime operations and create an immediate need for increased security at all regional ports,” said Ray Toves, director, Civil Support Team Training and Readiness Division, 196th Infantry Brigade.
“An attack using a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) would further complicate the emergency response efforts and would create a tremendous burden on a wide variety of local, state and federal resources,” added Toves. “Dating back to 2008, the Kai Malu ‘O Hawaii has grown to become Hawaii’s leading maritime event.”
The Army’s 196th Infantry Brigade is leading this full-scale threat-based training event that will involve over 300 participants. The exercise is designed to reinforce coordination and response among multiple agencies at various levels.
The participating CSTs are from Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, Washington state, Utah, New Mexico and Southern California. Other agencies participating include the FBI, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Federal Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, State Civil Defense, U.S. Pacific Command, Honolulu Harbor Police, 71st Chemical Company, Department of Health and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Area residents and bystanders should not be alarmed or interfere with the exercise during the two-day event. The public may anticipate minimal traffic delays Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. around the Honolulu Harbor.
