To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. RESPONDERS TODAY Waikiki beach in Honolulu. HONOLULU, HAWAII so as the city is responding to a situation, in the event that we quickly determine that we need additional capabilities or capacities, it’s not inconceivable that we will pick up the phone and start the communication process to get the assets to help us.” Those assets include the vast resources, personnel and capabilities of the large military contingents on Oahu from every branch of the services. “We all understand that the military has inherent obligations to respond to national defense and that is their mission,” Kaku pointed out. “But the military is very much integrated into this community. Knowing that they and their families are part of this community, there is also that mutual understanding—and, again, an inherently understood commitment—that when the community does need any type of support to a national extent that the military is going to lean forward and help us.” Army Maj. Gen. Vern Miyagi, the mobilization assistant to the commander of the US Pacific Command, concurred: “Personal relationships and communication and coordination among agency leadership and operators are excellent. This has been developed over many years through a variety of actual operations and exercises. We know each other and have responded and exercised together successfully for years.” PHOTO: THOMAS M. IANNUCCI No one is an island BY THOMAS M. IANNUCCI FOR MOST PEOPLE, THE NAME “HAWAII” CONJURES UP VISIONS OF THE LUSH ISLAND OF OAHU, WITH ITS WHITE SANDY BEACHES, PRISTINE WATERS AND LONG CURVED PALM TREES RESTING LAZILY IN THE SUN. Within the shores of that island is the city and county of Honolulu, holding 75 percent of Hawaii’s population, which varies from an estimated 900,000 full-time residents to over a million people when military personnel and tourists are included. The jurisdiction contains Hawaii’s state, federal, military, major business and banking headquarters. It includes the headquarters of the US Pacific Command, the governor’s office, the state legislature, US Attorney, civil defense, federal building, only international airport and one of the busiest harbors in the Pacific. mutual aide perspective, that we are all in this boat together, and it forces us to have to work together,” Mel Kaku, Honolulu’s emergency management chief, told Homeland Security Today. Local responders agree that there is a cohesive working bond among the various agencies. “We don’t take it for granted, and we know we have to work at it, but we just have to keep the building of relationships and the trust amongst agencies,” said Ed Teixeira, vice director of Hawaii State Civil Defense and chairman of the National Emergency Management Association. “What may make it a little easier is this term called the ‘aloha spirit’ we have here in Hawaii.” Teixeira continued: “There is something about being here and, in time, if you’re not from the islands, you will get it. It’s a natural thing for us to engage with each other and to work with each other to solve mutual problems. It’s a ‘nowhere to run, nowhere to hide’ kind of a thing.” Kaku agreed, adding: “There is also a recognition of rules and responsibilities, Hazards and training Honolulu and the state of Hawaii are familiar with hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and a foreign attack and, as a result, they form a community that prepares through constant gatherings and exercises. Born and raised in Honolulu, Mayor Mufi Hanneman ensures that preparedness is a priority. Major stakeholders meet monthly and quarterly with Honolulu city officials and non-government agencies like utility companies and telecommunications providers in an effort to stay connected and informed. Hanneman, more so than previous mayors, is very proactive in his approach to emergency management and public safety. He created the Department of Emergency Management and elevated Kaku’s position to Cabinet-level in order to incorporate preparedness into Honolulu’s daily operations. Interoperability of necessity Other than New York City, Honolulu is the only other major US city to undergo a devastating attack on its soil over the past century. As a result, all authorities in Honolulu understand the need for preparedness and interoperability. On this island, no one is an island. “The fact that we’re an island community, isolated and surrounded by water, basically forces us to be able to say, from a 10 May 2009 | www.HSToday.us This month’s issue is now available online at…