Simulated nuclear explosion planned as a way to prep for martial law

Hawaii plans to hold an exercise in mid-August simulating the explosion of a half-kiloton nuclear device at the entrance of Honolulu Harbor, a mock blast that theoretically would result in 10,000 casualties.

State Adjutant Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, head of the Hawai'i National Guard, said Hawai'i is one of the first to take on the nuclear device planning.

Several hundred state and military planners and first responders will take part Aug. 14 to 16 in "Exercise 'A Kele."

Officials said there is a terrorism response plan calling for a collective state and federal response using the powers of the president to declare a disaster.

A presidential disaster declaration would allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency and military to work with the state.