IOC/ITSU-IX/3 - International Co-ordination Group for the Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific, Ninth Session, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 13-17 March 1984

The Ninth Session of the IOC International Coordination Group for the Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific (ICG/ITSU) was opened by the Chairman, Mr. Gerry Dohler, at 9:00 a.m. on 13 March 1984. He welcomed Mrs. Eileen Anderson, Mayor of Honolulu, Dr. Fujio Matsuda, President, University of Hawaii, Dr. Victor Hao Li, President, East-West Center, and all those present at the session.He expressed his sincere thanks to the host organization and gave a short review of the history of the IOC involvement in tsunami research and warning and of the activities of the Group in these fields. He then identified as the main objective of the Group to provide accurate and reliable Tsunami Warning Services with the aim to reduce the loss of life and property. The Chairman stressed that the improvement of reporting stations and establishment of additional regional tsunami warning centers in the Pacific should continue to be considered as actions of high priority in the work plan of the Group.

In conclusion the Chairman invited Mr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, Head of the U.S. Delegation, to introduce the speakers of the host country.
The Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the Honorable Eileen Anderson officially welcomed the delegates and observers of the Session. She made reference to the agenda of the meeting and the importance of the objectives of the Session. She called attention to Hawaii's vulnerability to tsunamis and gave examples of the large destructive tsunamis that have struck these islands in the last.forty years. Finally she urged participants to work hard during the Session to accomplish their goals but also to try to find the time to enjoy Hawaii's beauty and interesting sites.

On behalf of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, Dr. Fujio Matsuda extended his warmest welcome to all the participants. He drew attention of the participants to the importance of tsunami studies and warning for Hawaii in spite of two decades of relative calm. He stressed that the May 26, 1983, tsunami in the Sea of Japan had served to remind everybody of the need to keep working on the problem of tsunami warnings. Dr. F. Matsuda then provided the participants with information on the involvement of the University of Hawaii (UH) in tsunami research, inter alia, on the activities of the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), and the University of Hawaii Environmental Center. He emphasized that the University of Hawaii intends to continue "to play an active role in the effort to make the Pacific Basin a safe place in which to live."

Dr. Victor Hao Li welcomed the participants and provided information on the involvement of the East-West Center, through its Pacific Islands Development Programme (PIDP), in disaster preparedness, research and training. The research conducted by PIDP has identified ways in which the countries of the Pacific region can improve their ability to prepare for and cope with natural disasters, including tsunamis. One major factor is coordination among all those who can assist with the identification of threats and disaster events, the mitigation of disasters through training and infrastructure development, and the provision of relief and rehabilitation assistance that will reduce the threat of natural disasters. In conclusion he expressed the opinion that this meeting will contribute to the efforts of PIDP.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman and Secretary of roc, the Assistant Secretary IOC, Dr. I. Oliounine, expressed his gratitude to the host organization, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States for the excellent meeting arrangements and particularly, the assistance which had been provided by National Weather Service Pacific Region in organizing the session. He stated that as a result of various intergovernmental fora  new challenges have been placed on the IOC which require international cooperaton. He emphasized that the success of internationally agreed upon operational systems, like the tsunami warning system in the Pacific, depends on the support of participating member scientists. The IOC, through its ICG/ITSU, provides a focal point for coordination of national efforts in establishing efficient tsunami warning systems. Dr. Oliounine concluded by joining the previous speakers in wishing all participants the Aloha Spirit in conducting the session.

Mr. G. Dohler thanked all speakers for their interesting information, valuable advices and kind and encouraging words. The list of participants is Annex III to this Report.

 Informational Documents