HAWAIʻI COUNTY & HAWAIʻI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PARTNER TO KEEP MOTORISTS SAFE

HAWAIʻI COUNTY & HAWAIʻI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PARTNER TO KEEP MOTORISTS SAFE

The County of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard have partnered to keep motorists in and around the Traffic Hazard Mitigation Route (THMR) safe through the ongoing Mauna Loa eruption. Nation Guard troops arrived at the County’s THMR earlier today for a briefing with County officials related to their new post along the old Saddle Road. Approximately ten guardsmen will be posted along the THMR for 12-hour shifts beginning today, December 6. A total of 20 guards have been sent to help respond to the increased traffic related to the eruption. Their presence is expected as long as the need is there.

“Guardsmen are here to help with the increased traffic along our Traffic Hazard Mitigation Route,” said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks and Recreation. “They’re here to be aloha ambassadors, ensuring that motorists remain on the appropriate roadway and out of restricted areas, especially as visibility lessens with the weather.”

“We’re excited to have the Guardsmen here with us through our current response to the eruption,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “As more and more vehicles make their way through the mitigation route, it’s imperative that we prioritize the safety of every person and vehicle on the roadway, which requires manpower that we just don’t have on our own. Adequate response relies on the partnership, and we are honored to have great partners in our fellow State and Federal agencies who have stepped up in this time of need to be there for the Hawaiʻi Island community.”