Family emergency plans highlight public meeting
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
If there is a terrorist threat to Waikiki, or a tsunami or hurricane is about to hit, how would the nearly 20,000 residents and 75,000 visitors safely evacuate?
• 6 p.m. tomorrow • Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave. • For details, call the District 6 Community Area of Responsibility office at 529-3098.
That will be the topic of discussion at a public meeting at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave.
Meeting info
The meeting is a part of the Police Department's Ask A Cop program and will also cover personal safety and citizen patrols.
"The main goal is if Waikiki is ever placed under attack, if you can have a plan ready for a critical incident you would know what to do," said Officer Leland Cadoy, coordinator for the Waikiki Community Area of Responsibility.
Cadoy said the presentation will detail what residents should do in case of a natural or terrorist emergency. Police have already made similar presentations at most Waikiki hotels.
"Police are ready, but we will be stretched," Cadoy said. "People need to realize we won't be available for them, so they need to know how to protect themselves and their families. If you don't know what to do you have chosen to become a victim or a statistic."
During an emergency, police will limit access and secure roadways for emergency vehicles. Officers will watch for vandalism and send equipment and personnel where needed.
Residents should have talked with family members in advance about what to do and where to meet. During an evacuation they should leave the area and not return until told it is safe, police said.
Cadoy said he will have handouts detailing plans for communication with family members, how to best get out of the area and where to go.
Since Sept. 11, the need for safety, evacuation and mobilization procedures for another possible attack on American soil have become a priority for police and emergency providers. Cadoy said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site at ready.gov is a good place to find current information.
Jeff Apaka, with the Waikiki Community Center, said it is important that with so many people in the area that they be ready for emergencies.
"We all have to be a part of this," Apaka said. "We can't rely on the 15 officers here in Waikiki to do everything. We have to think about it."
Apaka said more meetings will be held at the community center if needed.
