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2001 September 11th Terrorist Attacks

March 9, 2026
Categories: 
2000ʻs, HIEMA History

Anthrax scare. Shortly after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, new fears gripped the country as anthrax outbreaks turned up along the East Coast and Florida. Contamination spread through New York television networks, Washington D.C. congressional offices, as well as through the U.S. Postal Service. Several people succumbed to inhalation anthrax, the deadliest form of exposure.

In Hawaii, first responders were called in to inspect hundreds of pieces of suspect mail. SCD worked closely with federal, state and county agencies to provide information to the public and the media on the handling of mail suspected of anthrax contamination. This resulted in a dramatic drop in responses by emergency crews, as local concerns were allayed.

– 2002 Annual Report pp. 19
HONOLULU'S FINEST- Police officers are security detailed at the State Emergency Operating Center following the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes.
HONOLULU’S FINEST- Police officers are security detailed at the State Emergency Operating Center following the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes.
TERROR CONFERENCING - State emergency operations staff on the teleconference bridge for coordination of Hawaii's response to the terrorist strikes of 9-11. State Civil Defense photos
TERROR CONFERENCING – State emergency operations staff on the teleconference bridge for coordination of Hawaii’s response to the terrorist strikes of 9-11. State Civil Defense photos
(Pictures from the 2002 Annual Report)

Command Notes

we’ve recently passed the six-month anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks – more than six months of protecting Hawaii’s airports, airspace and critical infrastructure.

Proactive protection

I want to say thank you to the soldiers and airmen of the Hawaii National Guard and the men and women of State Civil Defense who have been working hard to protect Hawaii since Sept.11th. I know I’ve said that before in previous columns, but I cannot say it enough. Just in the last several months, we’ve completed vulnerability assessments of critical civilian facilities in Hawaii to ensure that we can protect those assets. We also were on hand at Aloha Stadium during the Pro Bowl game, to assist authorities with security. On Mar. 12th, Tom Ridge, the nation’s Homeland Security Director, unveiled a new color-coded security implementation plan for civilian first responders, law enforcement and government officials. That color-coded matrix, now used nationally, had its genesis here in Hawaii, at State Civil Defense. So we have been assisting with security issues in some rather profound ways as well as some on a smaller scale – but all contributions are important.

– 2002 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 2