A look inside Diamond Head Crater

by Erin Roh | Aug. 24, 2019

Guests are greeted in a hallway that is detailed with HI-EMA’s rich history.

Now that we’re in the middle of hurricane, it is important to know the different types of preparedness resources available to us in Hawaii. One of the key organizations that manages major emergencies or disasters in the state is the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). To learn more about this agency, our corporate relations team was able to take an in-depth tour of the HI-EMA facilities and learn about its history.

Our guide gave us a history lesson on Diamond Head Crater.

HI-EMA is located inside the Diamond Head Crater, which has a rich cultural and military history. During the tour, we were able to walk through the facility that served as a bunker during World War II. In 1904, the U.S. government purchased the crater and land for $3,300 for its potential as a military asset. With its panoramic view, the summit of Diamond Head was an ideal site for coastal defense. Being able to see firsthand what was imperative in the defense of Honolulu Harbor and Pearl Harbor was an eye-opening experience.

Materials used for construction were hauled by mules through a 5 by 7-foot tunnel known as the “Mule Tunnel.”

One part of the tour that I particularly enjoyed learning about was the “Mule Tunnel.” Five batteries were built to house artillery, and bunkers and pillboxes were constructed along the crater rim for defense. Materials used for construction were hauled into the crater by mules. To accommodate the animals a 5 by 7-foot tunnel, referred to as the “Mule Tunnel,” was specifically built for this purpose. We were able to take a small hike up to the tunnel and see through the other side.

In 1950, the U.S. Army terminated all activities in and around Diamond Head, removed the equipment, and turned land over to the Territory of Hawaii, later designating the site as a National Natural Landmark. Today, operating from the inside of the Diamond Head Crater, HI-EMA serves as the overall coordinating agency among the four county civil defense agencies (Hawaii County Civil Defense, Maui County Civil Defense, City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, and Kauai County Civil Defense); state agencies including the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard; and federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Department of Defense. We were able to see where these agencies congregate during a real emergency and how important the main command center is, which runs 24/7.

During a real emergency, folks from several state and federal agencies would collaborate in this 24/7 command center.

Learning about HI-EMA’s operations showed me what Hawaii is doing to stay prepared during an emergency. Emergency response is only one of the functions of HI-EMA. The agency can also provide specialized or supplemental resources, technical assistance, or other support needed to protect human lives and property. Other services provided by HI-EMA include advanced telecommunications, a statewide siren warning system, planning program, training, public information, disaster mitigation, and disaster assistance programs.

Mahalo to HI-EMA for the educational tour. Hawaii is more than prepared if an emergency or disaster occurs.

At the end of the tour, I felt more at ease knowing that that we were in good hands if an actual hurricane or tropical storm hit our islands. It also prompted me to revisit my own emergency preparedness plans for home should disaster ever strike.

It’s another reminder for everyone to recheck their current plans. Visit HI-EMA’s website to access vital information such as identifying tsunami evacuation zones, preparing your home, business and families during emergencies, and finding hurricane evacuation shelters in Hawaii.

Erin Roh is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.