Full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise set for July 24

Published on July 22, 2025

LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i, in partnership with the Hawai‘i National Guard’s 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (CST), will host a full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Nāwiliwili Harbor.

This is part of a week-long training series aimed at enhancing preparedness for hazardous materials incidents and natural or man-made disasters.

“This kind of training brings our teams together under realistic conditions so we can strengthen the partnerships and protocols that protect our community," said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. "Mahalo to all the agencies and personnel involved for your commitment to keeping Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau safe.”

The full-scale exercise will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with operations focused primarily at Nāwiliwili Harbor. The exercise will include participation from a wide range of agencies and disciplines, including the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD), Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Officials ask for the public’s cooperation and awareness near training areas, especially around Nāwiliwili Harbor on July 24, and to avoid areas with marked emergency vehicles and personnel.

Training activities began on July 20 and continue through July 25, involving a variety of drills including hazardous materials decontamination, survey and triage operations, communications testing, and emergency operations coordination. Key training locations include Kaiākea Fire Station, the USCG Station, Nāwiliwili Harbor, and KEMA’s Emergency Operations Center.

“These exercises give our responders an opportunity to sharpen critical skills and improve coordination across agencies,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “The more we train together, the stronger, more effective, and more cohesive our response becomes during real-world events.”

For more information, please contact the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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