ROBUST TEAM OF RACES HAMS ACTIVATE IN HAWAII

Hawaii's recent statewide call for hams to get more involved in RACES could not have been better timed:

RACES hams were activated on February 8th and 9th, as severe weather brought high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, power outages, and hazardous surf conditions across Honolulu and the State of Hawaii. Both Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued emergency proclamations to mobilize resources and protect public safety.

According to Michael Miller, KH6ML, deputy director of RACES and Assistant Section Manager, Pacific Section for the ARRL, RACES amateur radio operators were activated inside the Emergency Operations Center in support of the Department of Emergency Management, City and County of Honolulu. Additional amateur radio activity also took place through ARES and CERT activations in the field.

As trained, licensed, amateur radio volunteers, RACES hams are involved in a government-activated amateur radio service used during official emergencies, operating under local, state, or federal emergency management authorities. In Hawaii, RACES operators are a part of the state’s Emergency Management Reserve Corps, helping to keep information moving between the Emergency Operations Center and field sites.