WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawai’i — On Nov. 12-13, U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i (USAG Hawai’i) conducted a comprehensive tabletop exercise (TTX) with county emergency services and states, including the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). and the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), at the installation’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Kolekole Pass TTX was designed to prepare for possible emergency evacuations on the west side of O’ahu, covering communities from Nānākuli to Mākaha, and highlight the essential evacuation route via Kolekole Pass in period of crisis of human or natural origin.

“The Leeward Coast has no exit point after the Kalaeloa Road exit. This represents more than ten thousand coastal communities that may be isolated in the event of a disaster. The Kolekole Pass is essential in providing an alternative solution to emergency evacuation procedures for the thousands of residents who may be affected,” said James Williams, Director of Operations at the Directorate of Emergency Services. “Without this initiative, history has shown us that a lack of preparation will cost lives and increase suffering. I commend all state, county and federal partners for their rapid action to develop a solution. I think it is essential to have this backup plan to mitigate unforeseen events. And I believe this plan will succeed through our combined efforts.

The exercise was a key initiative in disaster preparedness, focusing on the strategic route starting at Nānākuli at the Lualualei Naval Reserve Gateway, passing through Kolekole Pass and exiting at Wahiawā via the barracks Schofield. This collaboration highlighted the importance of a coordinated response involving multiple agencies, including the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS), U.S. Army Hawai’i (USARHAW), the Installation Management Command Pacific (IMCOM-Pacific), the Commander Naval Region. Hawai’i Emergency Management Chief (CNRH), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Hawai’i State Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), and the Hawaii Department of Transportation ( HDOT), among others.

“Today’s TTX was an invaluable step in working with our federal, state and county partners to help pave the way for an effective emergency evacuation route that could save lives. countless lives during times of specific critical events,” said Scott D. Carter, chief of operations and plans, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

Twenty-four hours before the TTX, USAG Hawai’i staff planners conducted a joint hike with key HPD and HFD personnel, visiting the pass to assess the landscape, road conditions and identify critical points that could influence evacuation plans and operational efficiency.

“Exercise Kolekole Pass held at the USAG Hawai‘i Emergency Operations Center is a critical step that highlights the power of collaboration to keep our communities in Hawai‘i safe and resilient,” said Daniel W. Spencer, Chief of Protection Division, DPTMS. . “Today we are focused on the monumental impact of the multi-agency engagement with USAG Hawaii regarding the opening of Kolekole Pass in the event of an emergency.”

Hawaii’s unique vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, wildfires and even volcanic eruptions requires a high level of preparedness, making such exercises essential to ensure effective communication, coordination and response capabilities between agencies involved. For O’ahu communities, particularly those in western areas, Kolekole Pass provides a viable evacuation route for residents during a crisis, providing critical access to emergency responders, medical personnel and essential supplies.

The TTX highlighted the value of information sharing between agencies, enabling real-time situational updates on weather, road conditions and resource availability to improve decision-making processes. This integrated approach reflects the broader goal of building community resilience, strengthening connections between Hawaii’s military and civilian populations, and advancing collective readiness on all fronts.

As USAG Hawai’i and its partners continue to work toward a unified emergency response framework, this exercise symbolizes a proactive step toward participating in a broader effort to protect the people of Hawai’i and ensure that it has the necessary resources and routes. times of need.

“By working together, we ensure our communities are not only ready to respond to emergencies, but also able to recover quickly. The opening of Kolekole Pass is just one part of a much larger set of issues, which includes training exercises, public awareness campaigns and ongoing dialogues between all stakeholders,” Spencer emphasized .

With this renewed emphasis on preparedness, USAG Hawai’i and its partners are committed to making Hawaii a safer place for all residents.