Full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise set for July 30
LĪHUʻE – The County of Kauaʻi, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi 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 30, 2026, at Nāwiliwili Harbor.
This is part of a week-long training series aimed at enhancing preparedness for hazardous materials incidents and natural or human-caused emergencies.
“Preparedness is one of the most important investments we can make for our island,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “When our agencies and partners train side by side under realistic conditions, they build the trust and coordination that make all the difference when a real emergency strikes. Mahalo to every agency and responder taking part this week for your dedication to keeping the people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau safe.”
The full-scale exercise will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with operations focused at Nāwiliwili Harbor, in the parking lot area between the jetty and Nāwiliwili Park. Officials ask for the public’s cooperation and awareness near training areas, especially around Nāwiliwili Harbor on July 30, and to avoid areas with marked emergency vehicles and personnel.
The exercise will include participation from a wide range of agencies and disciplines, including the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), Kauaʻi Fire Department (KFD), Kauaʻi Police Department (KPD), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), American Medical Response (AMR), Wilcox Medical Center through the Hawaiʻi Healthcare Emergency Management Coalition (HHEM), Matson Navigation Company, and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Harbors Division.
Training activities will take place from July 25 through July 31 at multiple sites across the island, involving a variety of drills including hazardous materials decontamination, survey and triage operations, communications testing, and emergency operations coordination.
“Every exercise like this gives our first responders and emergency management partners the chance to practice how an initial response expands into a larger, multiagency operation as an incident grows in complexity,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Training together under realistic conditions helps us identify gaps, strengthen working relationships, and improve the coordination and resource support we rely on when our community needs us most.”
For more information, please contact the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800 or KEMA@kauai.gov.
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