Unified Command Structure

HDOT Institutes Unifed Command Structure

In preparation for the hurricane season and other emergencies during this COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) leadership held a hotwash on June 2 to evaluate HDOT’s response to COVID-19. Following these discussions, HDOT has established a formal command structure to improve information flow and coordination between all involved in the incident.

Managing a major emergency – especially a complex, lengthy, multi-jurisdictional response such as COVID-19 – is one of the most difficult challenges facing agencies. Effective coordination among HDOT divisions, local, state, and federal responders is critical to ensure successful response. Both the application of the Incident Command System (ICS) and Unified Command (UC) are means to join efforts from Administration, Airports, Harbors, and Highways Divisions.

“The implementation of a formal command structure will not only improve information flow and coordination, but will optimize combined efforts of all four divisions of our department and encourage a cooperative response environment,” said Director Jade Butay who has been designated as the overall commander. “With COVID-19, the Administration has taken a whole-of-government approach. We as a department understand and appreciate the critical role DOT plays in our state.”

“Using ICS and UC will foster a more successful, cohesive response by HDOT, regardless of the size and complexity of an incident,” added Deputy Director and HDOT Emergency Management Officer Lynn Araki-Regan.

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from people who are not from your household.

For example:

• Avoid gathering in groups, and stay out of crowded spaces when possible, especially at transit stations and stops.

• Consider skipping a row of seats between yourself and other riders if possible.

• Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors if possible.

• Look for social distancing instructions or physical guides offered by transit authorities (for example, floor decals or signs indicating where to stand or sit to remain at least 6 feet apart from others). In taxis and ride shares, the CDC advises touching as few places as possible, frequent hand cleaning and avoiding taking water bottles or other items being offered. “Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to only those necessary,” it adds.

“Avoid pooled rides or rides where multiple passengers are picked up who are not in the same household. Sit in the back seat in larger vehicles such as vans and buses so you can remain at least six feet away from the driver.”

And, open the windows. “Ask the driver to improve the ventilation in the vehicle if possible — for example, by opening the windows or setting the air ventilation/air conditioning on non-recirculation mode.”