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Digital network to link safety agencies in isles

By Mary Adamski

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 30, 2008

Federal, state and county public safety agencies will have greater interagency communications ability through an interisland digital microwave network to be launched today.

The $23 million Anuenue system was developed by Coast Guard and state technicians to replace the outdated Rainbow Microwave System. The system is designed to withstand disruption by disastrous events, including hurricane-force winds, according to an announcement.

Fifteen towers and facilities are being installed or refurbished on Molokai, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island for the statewide network, which will be fully in 2011.

The Coast Guard will use Anuenue to monitor the VHF marine band radio system used by mariners at sea.

Other agencies linked through the system will include state and county civil defense; county police, fire and emergency medical services; and the state departments of Land and Natural Resources, Public Safety, Health and Transportation. Also participating will be the Army, National Park Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

"Hawaii is more secure and better prepared for emergencies as a result of this joint effort," said Rear Adm. Manson Brown, Coast Guard 14th District commander, in remarks prepared for a media briefing today. He said it will "ensure that critical lines of communication remain open during disasters, as well as day-to-day operations."

Lt. Gov. James Aiona said in prepared remarks, "We cannot afford to allow power outages to interfere with the ability of government agencies to communicate with one another during statewide emergencies."

Federal, state and county public safety agencies will have greater interagency communications ability through an interisland digital microwave network to be launched today.

The $23 million Anuenue system was developed by Coast Guard and state technicians to replace the outdated Rainbow Microwave System. The system is designed to withstand disruption by disastrous events, including hurricane-force winds, according to an announcement.

Fifteen towers and facilities are being installed or refurbished on Molokai, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island for the statewide network, which will be fully in 2011.

The Coast Guard will use Anuenue to monitor the VHF marine band radio system used by mariners at sea.

Other agencies linked through the system will include state and county civil defense; county police, fire and emergency medical services; and the state departments of Land and Natural Resources, Public Safety, Health and Transportation. Also participating will be the Army, National Park Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

"Hawaii is more secure and better prepared for emergencies as a result of this joint effort," said Rear Adm. Manson Brown, Coast Guard 14th District commander, in remarks prepared for a media briefing today. He said it will "ensure that critical lines of communication remain open during disasters, as well as day-to-day operations."

Lt. Gov. James Aiona said in prepared remarks, "We cannot afford to allow power outages to interfere with the ability of government agencies to communicate with one another during statewide emergencies."


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