More Questions Flow In for Crisis Planners

Last week's commentary on the poor agency response to Hurricane Katrina (see September 1 post) is producing additional questions from Hawaii residents who believe, as does this web log, that we need and deserve specific information from our crisis planners about Hawaii's disaster preparedness.

One caller suggested forming a citizens group to gather those details. Another wondered just how many personnel could be called on to maintain civic order if we were hit by a major hurricane in the months ahead. Hawaii's National Guard is deployed to Iraq until March. The caller also asked whether plans exist to integrate Hawaii's hospitals into a coordinated response effort.

Answers to these and other questions will help Hawaii residents know whether we're well-prepared for a devastating hurricane. This blog will post answers to questions sent yesterday to our local Civil Defense and FEMA leaders if and when they arrive.