Public invited to
terror attack exercise

The public, during a three-day summit in Waikiki, is invited to test how it would respond to terrorist attacks in Hawaii.

The Hawaii State Civil Defense, Hawaii's Homeland Security agency, will conduct the community response exercise from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23, the final day of the 2005 Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit and Exposition.

"The coordinated bombing of London's transit system in July underscores the fact that terrorists can strike anytime, anywhere," said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state adjutant general and Civil Defense director.

"This community response exercise will provide participants an opportunity to address their reactions to terrorist attacks in Hawaii and the measures they would take to protect themselves and their fellow citizens."

Vice Director of Civil Defense Edward Teixeira said conducting exercises is one way to develop and improve plans for dealing with natural disasters, and similar techniques can be used to increase preparedness in the community against terrorist strikes.

The exercise is limited to 100 participants. To register, go to www.hlssummit.hawaii.gov and select the "Friday Only" registration option. The cost is $25.