Waikoloa Hulu Street Evacuation Drill Scheduled for Aug. 15
Waikoloa Hulu Street Evacuation Drill Scheduled for Aug. 15
Waikoloa Village residents and visitors will have another chance to practice their community’s emergency evacuation route at the next Hulu Street Evacuation Drill, held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
The drill, also known as “Hulu Holoholo,” was originally held annually and has been conducted twice a year since 2024.
“Practicing your evacuation routes is an important part of any emergency plan, and we encourage residents to join us for this semi-annual drill,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By knowing where to go, we can all be more prepared when a disaster occurs.”
Residents taking part in the drill can practice driving the evacuation route from Hulu Street to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Upon exiting the road, motorists will be directed to turn north (right) onto Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Motorists wanting to go south will be instructed to turn in at Puakō to change directions.
The route can accommodate low-clearance vehicles such as passenger cars. While the emergency road has gravel turn-outs for emergencies, drivers are advised to remain on the main road surface as they traverse the fire-prone area.
The drill is organized by County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense, in cooperation with the Police Department, the Waikoloa Community Emergency Response Team, and the Waikoloa Village Association Firewise Committee.
Construction of another evacuation route connecting Kamakoa Drive and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway is underway. That project is a partnership between the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, which is paying for the construction, and the County of Hawaiʻi, which will maintain the route upon completion.
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