The repatriation exercise that Governor Lolo Moliga had announced at the last Coronavirus Task force meeting and scheduled for today has now been moved to next Monday.
Director of Port Administration Taimalelelagi Dr Claire Poumele told KHJ News this morning that the after two trial runs there are a few details that their Repatriation Planning Committee, needs to get from the governor in order to plan for the actual full scale exercise.
For example the exact number of passengers that the flight will carry.
Taimalelagi said from discussions with Hawaiian Airlines, if the flight is going to bring select passengers it would have to be a charter.
The second trial run conducted at the airport yesterday involved over 80 ASG personnel, and contractors.
According to the Port Director it was a great learning experience in “preparation for the repatriation of our people from Hawaii and the mainland.“
As announced by the governor at the Coronavirus Task Force meeting the exercise would simulate the arrival of a flight with 300 passengers.
The planning committee is co chaired by Taimalelagi and Commissioner of Public Safety Le’i Sonny Thompson and members are the CEO of LBJ Hospital and directors of Health, Public Works, Homeland Security, Agriculture, Acting Chief Procurement officer and Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs.
The governor had also given the medical group from LBJ, DOH and the VA Clinic last week to come up with a recommendation on whether or not a repatriation flight should be allowed.
When asked Tuesday if a recommendation had been made, the Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua said not yet.
