During a hurricane or any emergency, keeping communication lines open is critical. And when power goes out, emergency officials count on technology that's decades old.

"Alpha hotel six romeo hotel Oahu," said Roger Hashiro, an Amateur Radio Operator..

Makiki resident Roger Hashiro is testing out his high frequency short wave radio to get ready for what could be a long night. He and other amateur ham radio operators will be monitoring the situation on the Big Island.

"That's a roger, I just heard a report it's gusting 50 miles an hour up on 55-hundred elevation, over," said Hashiro.

The equipment can be set up anywhere in just a few minutes. And during a power failure, Hashiro can still keep communicating with other hamm operators. Many Hawaii residents found out the hard way that cell phones can be useless in a blackout. That was evident after the Big Island earthquake in October. Most cell phone sites only have so much power once electricity is out.

"The more people talk and use up their cell phones, the less it's available for emergency responders and for people in the community who really need to make the phone call," said Hashiro.

After Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, Hashiro and other operators were stationed at Civil Defense posts, evacuation shelters, and hospitals. They served as extra eyes and ears to get help where it's needed.

"It's the follow up, the follow up that requires a lot of communication to pull together recovering," said Hashiro.

Amateur radio operators need to be federally licensed. They're required to have the basic understanding of the technology, as well as the rules and regulations. Hashiro and other radio operators give a lot of their time voluntarily during a disaster. They realize that by getting the word out on who needs help, others will step up.

"Whether it's a chainsaw and cutting down a tree that's blocking a road or maybe giving some medical services or attention or transportation, food and water, we're all in this together," said Hashiro.