Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 18. Risk Assessment

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Chapter 18:Risk Assessment While the basic cargo capability of both ports is redundant, Kawaihae does not handle passengers nor large amounts of fuel. Some basic fuel manifolds were installed at Kawaihae several years ago but capped off for future use.90 One gasoline supplier(Union/Costco) does use one intake to supply their service station. Most of the fuel tanks at the harbor are supplied by trucks from Hilo, and have a capacity of 814,000 gallons which is about a 60 days' supply for the current users. Both ports are subject to tsunami and hurricane surge. However, it is very unlikely that both ports would be severely damaged by the same event, but probable that both could receive some damage, one more than the other. The harbor master does not know of any specific hardening methods nor of any such plans by the State DOT. Passenger ships can simply be diverted from this island while any in port upon a tsunami warning will put to sea and can then proceed to an undamaged port. In case of a tsunami or hurricane threat, any passengers unable to board in time for sailing will be kept on their busses and sent to shelters specified by Civil Defense. For information on the Port of Kawaihae, and the damage it suffered during the Oct. 2006, Kiholo Bay Earthquake, see Section 7.2.1.1. 18.1.10.1.2 Airports and Landing Strips Hawaii Island has four public airports-- two primary commercial airports with the ability to receive large carriers (Hilo and Kona International Airports) and two smaller airports (Waimea-Kohala and Upolu Airports). Upolu Airport is not heavily used for passenger or cargo. None of the airports are located in a tsunami evacuation zone, flood zone, or high-hazard lava flow zone. The terminals are not considered satisfactory for hurricane sheltering. They would depend on tout- busses to move people to Civil Defense-specified shelters. The Hilo terminal and related functions can run for 47 hours at full capacity (78 at 50%) from the fuel with the emergency generator. The FAA tower,which is separate, can operate at full capacity for at least three days around the clock, and possibly for 12 days. In an emergency, the basic control functions of the tower can be handled by portable radio equipment from any location in the airport area. In addition to the main 10,000 ft. runway, Hilo has a second runway 5600 ft long which easily handles inter island airliners. The Kona airport has similar backup capabilities, except for having just one runway of 11,000 ft and handles more passengers (1.3 million vs. 800 thousand enplaned for Hilo). The Waimea-Kohala airport has minimal passenger capability but with a 5600 ft runway can handle interisland aircraft if needed. There are numerous military and civil heliports around the island. The National Guard has six large (12 passenger) helicopters at Hilo, which the Governor can make available for emergency use and can fly to Oahu nonstop. The County has two smaller ones, and the tour industry has over 20; none can go as far as Oahu without refueling. 90 Ian Birnie,Harbor master,personal communications,September 2003. 18-26 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan