Full Breakdown
Tsunami Evacuation Drill Scheduled for Keaukaha Community
11/20/2025, 2:48:26 PM
Overview of the Evacuation Exercise
A tsunami evacuation drill is set to take place in the Keaukaha area of Hilo, Hawaii, on Friday, November 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This exercise aims to enhance preparedness among residents and students in a region vulnerable to tsunamis. The County of Hawaii will facilitate the drill by opening the Leleiwi Evacuation Route, allowing participants to practice their escape routes without accessing the Hilo International Airport runway, which will remain closed for this exercise.
Participating Schools and Community Involvement
Several local educational institutions will participate in the drill, including:
- Keaukaha Elementary School
- Kamehameha Schools Preschool – Keaukaha
- Ke Ana La’ahana Public Charter School
- Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo Public Charter School – Kai Kohola
- Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo Public Charter School – Pa Hoaka
Students from these schools will follow their established evacuation plans, reaching as far as the airport gates located at Andrews, Baker, and Pua avenues.
Official Statements on the Importance of Preparedness
Mayor Kimo Alameda emphasized the urgency of knowing evacuation routes, stating, “Time is of the essence when a tsunami threatens Hawaii Island, so we encourage everyone living, working or learning in coastal areas to know and practice their escape routes.” Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno added, “Hilo has seen tragic damage and loss of life from tsunamis over the years. The best way to stay safe is to move out of the inundation zone when a tsunami threatens, and learning these evacuation routes helps to make that possible.”
Logistics of the Drill
During the drill, the perimeter gates of the Hilo International Airport will remain shut, contrasting with previous evacuations in July when residents utilized the airport runway. The County will open gates along Nene Street and Kapili Avenue to facilitate access to the Leleiwi Evacuation Route, which directs participants away from the coastal area.
Broader Implications of the Exercise
This evacuation drill is part of ongoing efforts to bolster community resilience against natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. By involving local schools and residents, the exercise aims to instill a sense of preparedness and awareness of emergency procedures in the Keaukaha community.
Criticism & Opposition
While the drill is largely supported, some community members have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of such exercises in real-life scenarios, questioning whether the drills adequately prepare residents for the chaos that can accompany an actual tsunami warning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Time is of the essence when a tsunami threatens Hawaii Island, so we encourage everyone living, working or learning in coastal areas to know and practice their escape routes,” — Kimo Alameda, Mayor of Hawaii County
- “Hilo has seen tragic damage and loss of life from tsunamis over the years. The best way to stay safe is to move out of the inundation zone when a tsunami threatens, and learning these evacuation routes helps to make that possible,” — Talmadge Magno, Civil Defense Administrator
This drill represents a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, aiming to ensure that residents are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in the event of a tsunami.
