Kauai County will partner with the U.S. Coast Guard in a full-scale, multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise at the Port Allen Small Boat Harbor and surrounding waters off Hanapepe from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30.
Participating agencies will be the U.S. Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, Kauai Emergency Management Agency, Kauai Search and Rescue, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
“We appreciate the dedication and expertise of all participating agencies in this multi-agency exercise,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a release. “A heartfelt mahalo to our partners from the U.S. Coast Guard, our county first responders, and all individuals involved for enhancing our island's preparedness for unforeseen events.”
Deputy Commander Kyra Dykeman of the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu stated, “Full-scale exercises are invaluable training tools that allow us to simulate maritime emergencies in a realistic yet controlled environment. These scenarios challenge our teams, test our procedures, and, most importantly, deepen our coordination with partners. Every opportunity to collaborate strengthens our collective readiness and ensures a more unified, effective response when real-world incidents occur.”
The public is asked to stay clear of any noticeable or marked areas and exercise-related vehicles, equipment and personnel at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor and its surrounding waters.
“This exercise is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our first responders,” said Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “By training together, we ensure that when emergencies arise, we're prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to protect our community.”
