By Kelly Simek 

From responding to severe storms to supporting communities in crisis, Hawaiʻi’s first responders rely on preparation that starts long before emergencies happen. KHON2’s Jodi Leong traveled to Hawaiʻi Island to take a closer look at how that training comes to life at Pohakuloa Training Area, and how it plays a vital role in keeping our islands safe.

Spanning more than 133,000 acres on Hawaiʻi Island, the Pohakuloa Training Area serves as a critical hub for military and emergency response training. The expansive landscape allows for a wide range of exercises, from aviation and communications to medical response, all designed to prepare teams for real-world scenarios.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Alvarado of the U.S. Army Garrison says the scale and diversity of the terrain make it a one-of-a-kind training ground. The area supports not only the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, but also the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Hawaiʻi County’s fire and police departments. The unique elevation, weather patterns, and geography add complexity to each training, helping responders build the skills they need before facing actual emergencies.

That preparation proved especially important during last week’s Kona low, which brought severe weather, flooding, and power outages across the state. The Hawaiʻi Army National Guard was among the first to respond, demonstrating the value of the training that happens at Pohakuloa year-round.

See the full story here.