Hawaiian Hams Drill for Hurricane Response as Tropical Storm Approaches

(Source: Hawaii ARES website)

The long-planned “Makani 'Ino,” or “Big Wind” drill to test the ability of Hawaii’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) to respond to a strike by a major hurricane, took place on July 16 as Tropical Storm Darby was heading toward the islands. The ARRL Letter reports that over 100 amateurs participated, passing more than 250 Winlink and voice messages to served agencies. 

According to the Letter, the drill simulated severe infrastructure failure as a hurricane “impacted every island's electrical power, internet service, and cell phone service. High winds, catastrophic rains, and storm surges on coastal lands produced flooding in many areas,” according to the scenario. Fortunately for everyone involved, the real storm weakened as it approached the islands and never grew to hurricane status.