Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Hawaiian Hams Conduct Statewide Disaster Drill

 

Hawaii's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) sponsored a statewide disaster drill on April 16 to assess its members' abilities to provide emergency communications in the event of a natural disaster. 

The scenario was a 4-day rain and wind storm battering all of the state's islands, taking out power, internet and cell phone towers, according to the ARRL Letter. The hams operated under the structure of the Incident Command System. State, local and federal agencies also took part. 

Hawaii Office of Homeland Security Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Everett Kaneshige noted that "having multiple outlets for communication during a crisis is critical," and added that it was "exciting to see the incorporation of innovative technology, such as the amateur radio-developed GPS software mapping capabilities.