Date: March 12, 2008
Contact: Public Affairs
(808) 535-3230

COAST GUARD HONOLULU HARBOR EXERCISE TO INCLUDE
LIVE FIRE, SEARCH AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION

HONOLULU -- Honolulu residents may notice a little more activity than normal in Honolulu Harbor Wednesday evening as the U.S. Coast Guard conducts a comprehensive exercise that involves a helicopter, Coast Guard small boats, pyrotechnics and the sounds of automatic weapons.

The Coast Guard has worked closely with the Harbors Division of the State of Hawaii's Department of Transportation, Honolulu Harbor Police, and maritime industry partners to minimize the disruption to vessel traffic in the harbor from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The exercise will involve a search and rescue hoist evolution between an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and Coast Guard small boat and a security demonstration involving Coast Guard small boats and an unmarked "target boat." Visible and loud gunfire sounds (all Coast Guard units are using blanks) and pyrotechnics may be observed by Honolulu residents and commuters.

Bystanders and the marine industry are advised Wednesday's drill is only an exercise. Media interested in filming or photographing the event are advised that Aloha Tower Marketplace offers the best vantage point.

For more information, please contact U.S. Coast Guard public affairs in Honolulu at (808) 535-3230.