07/07/2022

Makani 'Ino is Hawaiian for "big wind" and the name of Hawaii's Amateur Radio
Emergency Service¿ (ARES¿) upcoming hurricane emergency communications drill.
The drill will assess the ability of amateur radio operators to establish
emergency radio communications in the event of a severe infrastructure failure
due to hurricane-like conditions.

In addition to testing two-way radio communications, the drill will also use
Winlink Global Radio Email¿ to send and receive messages from surrounding
islands and participating agencies. Radio operators will first use radio, then
they'll send simulated digital messages using Winlink for reports and requests
for assistance.

Hawaii ARES Public Information Officer Michael Miller, KH6ML, said, "With this
drill, we are also trying to increase the level of participation, so that all
operators have the chance to develop the skill sets for real-world situations."
Miller added, "It is important for younger, or new, amateur radio operators to
know they can use their digital skills in emergency situations."

Miller also said they will be sending after-action reports to participating
agencies, such as the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross, to
help improve communications using amateur radio technology.

This is the second statewide drill conducted by Hawaii ARES in 2022. Makani
'Ino begins Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 9 AM to noon Hawaii Standard Time.

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