Security and Preparedness

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Security means knowing that our families are safe and our homes protected. These simple concerns are paramount. In Hawaii, our communities are resilient, and we grow up learning to look out for each other. With federal support and investment, we are better able to prepare, protect and recover -- and then to take a leadership role in the U.S. Pacific region.

From a defense standpoint, Hawaii serves as the Pacific headquarters to all the military services – Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines.  The Asia Pacific region is a hot spot, and a growing area of strategic and diplomatic focus.  For example, 7 of the 10 largest military forces reside in this region; major increases in commerce and trade are occurring in the Pacific.  For these reasons, Hawaii’s strategic location plays a key role in the positioning of our nation’s military into the Asia Pacific.  Our military focus is to support our allies, and to send a message to those with mischief on their minds.  The best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war.

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In Hawaii and the Pacific, natural disasters -- hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami, floods, drought and other catastrophes -- are a constant threat.  We have experienced many over the years.  Time and time again, Hawaii’s people are compassionate, sharing and resilient.  I have worked to enhance investments on the front end – better/earlier warnings so people can prepare and take heed.  I am currently working to grow a more comprehensive Federal Emergency Management Agency presence in Hawaii, in concert with the U.S. Coast Guard, to ensure that we are able to more quickly and effectively respond in time of disaster.

Below are some of my security and preparedness accomplishments for Hawaii:

U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM)

Hawaii is home to the country’s oldest and largest unified command, PACOM.  PACOM’s vast area of responsibility includes Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.  The Department of Defense’s decision to position crucial national security assets in Hawaii speaks to the strategic importance of Hawaii to the military’s ability to meet broad-spectrum security challenges, deter potential aggressors, and help strengthen our alliances in the region.  PACOM is supported by the U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, armed with the latest equipment available to the U.S. military.

Stryker Brigade Combat Team

The U.S. Army of the Pacific is now home to a Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which has proved itself to be of the utmost benefit to U.S. forces engaged in Overseas Contingency Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This state-of-the-art Army system is capable of rapid combat ready deployment, and gives our service members the best advantage on both close-combat urban terrain and open terrain battlefields.  This weapons system development and deployment to the State of Hawaii is a reinforcement of the commitment to fulfilling our security objectives in the region.  The decision to base the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks sends a strong signal to those who may wish to do us harm that we are prepared to meet our security objectives in the region.

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Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Naval Station and Shipyard both have played a key role in the history of our national defense.  Pearl Harbor was first established as a naval base in 1908 and since that time, it played an important role in the strategic posture of the United States in the Pacific.  The U.S. Pacific Fleet and Hawaii’s strategic location were key during the 20th century, most notably during World War II, and continue to play an essential role in the 21st century.  In 2010, Pearl Harbor will be the home of the Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarines.  In order to maximize the military’s strategic posture across the vast Pacific Ocean, over $431 million has been appropriated to sustain the Navy’s edge in the Pacific, and $451 million for new housing to support their families.

Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF)

PMRF, located on the Island of Kauai, features the military’s latest technology in protecting both Hawaii and the U.S. from the threat of ballistic missile attacks.  Over $944 million has been invested in and around PMRF.  State-of-the-art technology and systems include Aegis sea-based missile defense and Theatre High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense testing.  Both the Aegis and THAAD systems have performed with successful intercepts off of the Island of Kauai.  It is the largest industrial and technology employer on the island.

F-22

The United States’ air power dominance may be found in the State of Hawaii.  Through my support of our forces’ ability to respond to immediate threats, the F-22 Raptor will be added to the broad-spectrum of dominant air assets the U.S. enjoys.  The new fighters will benefit Hickam Air Force base where they will be the sentries enforcing our safety in the sky.  It will be one of three squadrons in the region, and one of the seven squadrons in the U.S. Air Force.  The F-22s balance speed, agility, and stealth, making it the world’s premiere fighter, enhancing our security in the skies above the Pacific Ocean.

C-17

I have worked to secure over $106 million to support the Air Forces’ receipt of 40 C-17 crews based in Hawaii.  These C-17 crews fly missions to defend our nation’s interests and provide invaluable humanitarian assistance throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  In May 2008, C-17s delivered tons of supplies to the earthquake ravaged areas in China, and the typhoon devastated regions in Burma.  The C-17s cargo capacity allows it to support the airlift needs of all service branches in the Pacific region.

Coast Guard Command and Control Center in Honolulu

Security demands in the post-9/11 era are greater, as is the need for coordinating among the many state, local, and federal partners who work together to make our ports and coastlines safe.  To meet the demand, I am supporting a Coast Guard investment of $36 million for a new Command and Control Center on Sand Island.  This new center will support the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations, its greater enforcement duties, and host other agencies with overlapping responsibilities.

14th District Coast Guard Pacific Assets

Hawaii and the Pacific region are at times looked at as possible “back door” entry points for terrorists and criminals to the United States.  To provide security for this vast area of ocean and the isolated island communities, the Coast Guard requires ships that can move quickly and safely through often dangerous weather conditions.  At present, the Coast Guard’s Hawaii fleet includes six patrol vessels and buoy tenders and 14 small rescue vessels.  I am working to ensure that Hawaii benefits from the Coast Guard’s national fleet modernization program.

Port of Honolulu Security

645,000 containers transit through the Port of Honolulu every year.  While these vessels bring in almost all the goods we consume in Hawaii, criminals and terrorists can easily infiltrate the ships or containers for their own lawless purposes.  Ports across the nation have a similar vulnerability.  To keep our seagoing trade as safe and secure as possible, the SAFE Port Act (Security and Accountability for Every Port) was passed during my tenure as Chair of the Commerce Committee.  It established a grant program to provide federal funds to strengthen security at our nation’s ports.  To date, Hawaii has received over $20 million under this program to make certain our ports are better patrolled and monitored, as well as incoming and outgoing cargo screened.

National Disaster Preparedness Training Center

Hawaii has one of five U.S. Department of Homeland Security Centers.  Three focus on weapons of mass destruction, a fourth on transportation security and Hawaii’s focuses on disaster preparedness training.  Funding for this Center is presently at $4.8 million annually and will provide a wide variety of training to ensure that first responders, government planners, policy makers, and community leaders in rural and urban areas are prepared.  From hands-on training to bachelor degrees and specialized certificates, the Center will help prepare Hawaii and America.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—Pacific Operations

The isolation of Hawaii and our Pacific island communities makes FEMA’s Pacific Area Office a critical link to ensure the safety of lives and property.  $2.2 million has been provided thus far to scale up FEMA’s operations—ensuring 24/7 staffing, developing a leadership core and growing a significant stockpile of emergency supplies.  A stronger FEMA operational presence means a more secure Hawaii that in turn can help Pacific neighbors, such as Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.  An additional $2.2 million is expected this year to continue this important effort.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Hawaii is protected under layers of security provided by TSA, which not only ensures the safety of the traveling public, but also provides well-paying jobs for many Hawaii residents in intelligence gathering and analysis, canine teams, and airport checkpoints.  Hawaii receives an annual average of approximately $64 million for TSA operations and employee compensation and benefits.  In addition, Hawaii is receiving stimulus funding of approximately $60 million for Honolulu and Kahului airports for facility safety modifications.  The Hilo and Lihue airports are receiving $2.3 million for explosive detection systems and x-ray units.

East-West Center

Military might and the physical security provided by our military is complemented by the East-West Center’s approach of citizen diplomacy.  For 50 years the East-West Center has worked to build stronger relationships in the Asia-Pacific region through education, dialogue, and research.  East-West Center’s programs educate international students who eventually return to their home countries, and develop an important corps of diplomats who are able to provide a better understanding of the U.S. to their peers.  Over $186 million has been invested to establish and sustain this effective corps of diplomats while helping Americans gain a better understanding of their neighbors across the Pacific.

Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

The Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) received its designation in 1999 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy in response to rising rates of crystal methamphetamine abuse in the state.  HIDTA’s priorities include: intelligence, investigation, interdiction, prosecution, and support.  With an annual budget of about $1.2 million, the Hawaii HIDTA provides technical and tactical training, pools technological and equipment resources, and coordinates the efforts of law enforcement agencies operating within the region.  This includes the execution of all wiretap operations, the sharing of tips on critical information from informants, and coordinated busts which have been successful in disrupting drug trafficking linked to Asia, Oceania and the Pacific.

Volcano Hazards Program

Since 1999, $250,000 has been awarded annually through a U.S. Geological Survey cooperative agreement with the Center for the Study of Activity Volcanoes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  Initially, these funds were added by the Congress, but they are now included in the President’s annual budget requests.  A Congressional increase in FY 2004 of $200,000 was used to expand seismic and deformation monitoring of Mauna Loa volcano, which began to show precursory signs of eruption in 2003.  Large changes in the ongoing Kilauea eruption and lava flow, the continued unrest of Mauna Loa, and increased reliance on expertise at University of Hawaii at Manoa demonstrate the inherent need for this program.  Increased levels of sulfur dioxide emissions or VOG have significantly heightened the public’s awareness.  Updates and information on Kilauea can be found onhttp://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php.  This program continues to remain a priority.  In light of ongoing concern about an increased Kilauea lava flow, and instability of Mauna Loa, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory will receive significant stimulus funds to upgrade its early warning system.

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Preparing Hawaii and the Nation for Tsunami

Being ready for tsunami requires four elements:  (1) an adequate ocean-sensor network to monitor for tsunami, (2) sufficient modeling capability to determine potential inundation in areas where tsunami are likely to occur, (3) a center to interpret the data and issue warnings, and (4) communities that have prepared themselves and are ready to respond.  Since 1994, I have worked to provide more than $23 million for tsunami hazard mitigation—with investments made in all four areas.  As a result of this funding, Hawaii became the first Tsunami Ready state in the nation in June 2005.  In December 2006, as the Chair of the Commerce Committee, I worked to pass legislation to make this a national program which would no longer be supported solely by congressional initiative. 

Pacific Disaster Center (PDC)

The Center, in operation since February 1996, is a federal information processing facility that supports emergency management activities in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean regions.  Operated by the University of Hawaii, with an annual budget of $6 million, the PDC models and simulates potential disasters which allows emergency managers and first responders to have a better idea of what to expect.  This includes the ability to predict which way the fire will go depending on the direction and speed of the winds.  Based on the information, firefighters are better able to use their responses to combat and extinguish the fire.  This capability is particularly helpful in fighting forest and wildfires.  Modeling is also done for flooding and tsunami.
 

Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance

Through legislation I sponsored, the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, also called COE, was established in 1994.  It is an asset of the Pacific Command.  It receives an annual budget of $5 million which provides education and training in civilian-military operations, focused on international disaster management, humanitarian assistance, and interagency coordination.  The COE relies on a solid network of non-government organizations like the Red Cross and the World Health Organization in the Asia-Pacific region.  The COE provided extraordinary support and was one of the first U.S. entities to respond following the horrific tsunami which killed thousands of people in Thailand.  Extending a helping hand in time of need builds strong diplomatic bonds.  It is a modest investment which enhances the overall security of the region.

Center of Excellence for Maritime Domain Awareness

In 2008, the UH was designated the Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Maritime Domain Awareness with an annual budget of $3 million.  Their task is to undertake research in search of better science and technology to provide our first responders – our Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, National Guard and civil defense – with a more robust suite of capabilities to protect and detect harm on the open seas and at our ports.

Disasters

The State of Hawaii has and will continue to be confronted by multiple major disasters.  On October 30, 2004, extreme heavy rains caused extensive damage to parts of Manoa Valley and to the campus of the University of Hawaii.  Thirty-five of the University’s facilities were damaged and, in particular, the Hamilton Library, the Medical School and Laboratory, and the lower campus structure were the hardest hit. 

Extreme heavy rains also occurred on February 20, 2006, which caused devastating floods, particularly on the Island of Kauai and windward Oahu.  Besides the serious damage to agricultural operations in these areas, the sustained intensity of these storms caused a breach of  the Kaloko Reservoir Dam on March 14, 2006.  The break sent water and debris hurtling downstream at about 25 miles per hour tearing away homes and blocking off the north side of the island, hampering emergency services and assistance.  Seven people died and the massive land and mudslides wreaked havoc on Kauai’s roads and related infrastructure.

On October 15, 2006, an earthquake measuring 6.7 in magnitude rocked the Hawaiian Islands and set off a series of aftershocks felt throughout the State.  The earthquake loosened rocks, dirt, and building foundations undermining the structural integrity of public utilities, buildings, roads, and related infrastructure, and deeply impacted the livelihood of Hawaii residents, many in isolated small communities.  For example, due to bridge and road damages, Maui County closed two points on the Hana Highway, cutting off all access to the town.  The Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island suffered serious structural damage.  The farming community was hit particularly hard by the earthquake.  The water intakes for the Lower and Upper Hamakua Ditches and the Kohala Ditch on the Big Island were buried by landslides and suffered collapsed tunnels and cracks in their dams.  These ditches provide the sole source of water for most farmers in the area. 

The most important actions government can take in time of disaster is first to ensure that people are safe and out of harm’s way.  Next, it is to get government officials activated and assessing damage so recovery dollars can be disbursed to assist individuals and to rebuild public infrastructure.  My responsibility is to see to it that sufficient government resources are available in a timely manner.

A total of $80.1 million was provided to address these disasters. 

Of this amount, the University of Hawaii received $21.1 million in federal assistance to address the damages sustained to their library collection, research laboratory, and building repairs during the 2004 floods. 

As a result of the devastating breach in the Kaloko Reservoir Dam in 2006, $2 million was secured for dam-break analyses of selected dams and reservoirs, including Kauai’s Alexander Dam and Oahu’s Nuuanu and Wahiawa dams. 

The heavy rains and water from the dam breach also washed out roads and spread debris into private property, and county streams and land on Kauai.  On Oahu’s North Shore the rains closed roads, flooded papaya farms, clogged culverts and waterways, and flooded many homes with waist-deep water.  I was able to secure $4.8 million in federal funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resource Conservation Service for the removal of debris on Kauai and roadway repairs in Kaaawa.

Once much of the debris was removed from the roadways on Kauai, I was able to secure $11.5 million for repairs to Kuhio Highway.

In March 2006, 40 straight days of rain on Oahu caused extensive flooding and landslides.  In particular, on March 24th heavy rain caused a huge mudslide on Round Top Drive and a week later another landslide left more than three feet of black sand and debris covered the roadway right before a 200-foot slope slid off the mountain onto yet another section of Round Top Drive.  More than 30 residents had to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere as the homes on Tantalus were isolated by the blocked roadway.   I assisted in securing $700,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for these repairs.

In addition, the Counties of Hawaii and Maui received a total of $35.7 million for repair to road damages sustained during the 2006 earthquake.  Also, $2 million in emergency funds were secured to repair the irrigation system which was damaged during the 2006 earthquake and is the lifeblood of the Kohala community.

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