Hazardous Material Response Training at Waiakea High School

Multi-Agency Hazardous Material Response Training Held at Waiakea High School
In a concerted effort to bolster the preparedness of first responders to hazardous material incidents, a comprehensive multi-agency training simulation was conducted on Tuesday at Waiakea High School. The exercise brought together a wide array of agencies including the Hawaii Police Department Special Response Team, the Hawaii County Fire Department HAZMAT unit, Hawaii County Civil Defense, Hilo Benioff Medical Center, and the Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (93rd CST).
The day-long event was marked by a series of tactical drills designed to enhance the coordination and response strategies of county first responder agencies to potential hazardous material situations. Special emphasis was placed on addressing incidents involving hazardous gases, which add a layer of complexity and danger to emergency responses. HFD HAZMAT Captain James Pacheco equipped the teams with various tools and methods for gas dispersion, emphasizing the importance of proficiency in gas mask usage.
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to decontamination processes, with the 93rd CST sharing their expertise on different methods and response measures. This specialized unit of the Hawaii National Guard has established a strong collaborative rapport with state and county first responders, orchestrating training simulations statewide annually. Their mission focuses on preparing agencies for incidents involving not just hazardous materials but also chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, and nuclear (CBERN) agents and substances.
The training initiative is set to continue across the state, with sessions planned in Maui, Oahu, and Kauai over the following days. These exercises underscore a proactive approach towards ensuring the safety and readiness of first responders in dealing with a range of high-risk scenarios.