These volunteer radio operators have an important role in emergency preparedness

Hawaiʻi's amateur radio operators, or “hams,” will participate in a statewide emergency communications drill this month. The exercise simulates a 4-day period of catastrophic weather that knocks out power, internet, and cell towers from Kauaʻi to the Big Island.

It's an opportunity for the group Amateur Radio Emergency Service Hawaii to train members and non-members in radio operations and procedures.

The Conversation took a trip out to Kapolei to meet up with longtime amateur radio operator Stacy Holbrook to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s "hams."

Click here to learn more about the April 16 training exercise. This interview aired on The Conversation on April 7, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.

SOURCE: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/the-conversation/2022-04-07/these-amateur-radio-operators-can-provide-emergency-communication-during-catastrophic-weather