Drill to test Kauai’s terror preparedness

An estimated 500 volunteers are expected to participate in this week’s Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise on Kauai.

The exercise, which starts today, will include classroom and field exercises at the Antone Vidinha Stadium parking lot, the Hanapepe Armory, the Hanapepe Stadium Sports Complex, Nawiliwili Harbor, the Pacific Missile Range Facility and the U.S. Coast Guard Station. The goal is to ensure that Kauai’s first responders are prepared in the event of a terrorist attack on the island.

Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they notice emergency vehicles and National Guard troops moving about the island this week. The public is also advised to stay away from training areas (except for a Strategic National Stockpile dispensary that will be set up Wednesday at Hanapepe Armory) while the exercises are being conducted.

The exercise is being hosted by the Kauai Civil Defense Agency in conjunction with the Hawaii National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team.

Shipwreck lot will close for maintenance

The parking lot at Shipwreck Beach, also known as Keoneloa Bay Beach Park, will be closed for maintenance work from 5 p.m. tomorrow to 7 a.m. Friday, Kauai County announced.

The project is a collaborative effort with the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. The Hyatt staff will paint the restrooms and prune trees in the park.

The county crew will work on the parking lot including: remove a portion of the existing lines; power-wash and re-stripe the entire parking lot; and paint designated emergency access aisles. The county also will install new signs and trim trees along the parking lot.