HANAPEPE — At the end of April, the County of Kauai, along with numerous agencies, will participate in a full-scale, multi-agency search and rescue exercise at Port Allen.
County officials, along with the United States Coast Guard, the Kauai Fire Department, the Kauai Police Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, Kauai Search and Rescue, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, will be participating in a full-scale Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX.
“We appreciate the dedication and expertise of all participating agencies in this multi-agency exercise,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “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.”
The exercise is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor and the surrounding waters offshore in Hanapepe from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Full-scale exercises are invaluable training tools that allow us to simulate maritime emergencies in a realistic yet controlled environment,” said Cmdr. Kyra Dykeman, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
“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.”
Officials ask the public and motorists to stay clear of any marked areas, and if you come across any exercise-related vehicles, equipment, and personnel during exercise hours.
Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson also stated, “This exercise is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our first responders. By training together, we ensure that when emergencies arise, we’re prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to protect our community,” he said.