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<br /> <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION <br /> <br />DAVID Y. IGE <br />GOVERNOR <br /> <br />JADE T. BUTAY <br />DIRECTOR <br /> <br />For Immediate Release: Nov. 29, 2019 <br />19-0602 <br /> <br />HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOSTS ANNUAL TSUNAMI <br />EVACUATION EXERCISE <br /> <br />HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises the public of a joint <br />Tsunami Evacuation Exercise taking place at Hilo International Airport (ITO) on <br />Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The joint exercise with Hawaii Civil <br />Defense, Hawaii Department of Transportation, schools within the Keaukaha area, and <br />community volunteers will test multiagency preparedness and response to a tsunami <br />threat. <br />“Exercises like this are important in our overall efforts to ensure public safety in the <br />event of an emergency,” said Deputy Director Ross Higashi, Hawaii Department of <br />Transportation, Airports Division. “Conducting such simulations reduce loss of life during <br />actual events and decrease the possibility of real-life failures by responding agencies. <br />Further, engaging with community partners is integral in creating a well-balanced <br />disaster evacuation plan based on public assistance and cooperation.” <br />The joint tsunami exercise is an annual occurrence that has been carried out since <br />2008. Each year, a planning committee composed of representatives from the airport, <br />nearby Keaukaha schools, and the community convene to review previous evaluations <br />and prepare for that year’s drill. Simulation of tsunami evacuation across the runway at <br />ITO is included in the exercise every other year. <br /> <br />