Kona airport to hold simulated aircraft emergency exercise Thursday

KAILUA-KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) - Don’t be alarmed if you see emergency response vehicles, mass casualty equipment and security personnel at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole Thursday.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is conducting a full-scale simulated emergency exercise involving a commercial aircraft from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials said flight operations will not be affected.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires the exercise every three years.

What the exercise entails

Airport personnel and local response agencies will work together to evaluate communications, coordination, responders’ actions and operational effectiveness.

Participating agencies include KOA Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, the Hawai‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i Civil Defense, Transportation Security Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, Hawai‘i National Guard, United Airlines, American Medical Response, American Red Cross and Allied Universal Security.

Approximately 80 volunteers from Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino High School and Hawai‘i Community College’s Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician Program will role-play as passengers in distress.

Officials said the public should not interfere with or attempt to assist in the exercise.