The state said it will hold its second test of an air
raid warning siren on
Tuesday, in preparation
for the unlikely event of a North Korean attack.
The first such test was held Dec. 1. The state
tests its warning sirens on the first business day of each month.
Tuesday’s test will be at 11:45 a.m.
The sirens are used
to alert the public to emergencies and will include a one-minute “attention alert” steady tone followed by a one-minute “attack warning” wailing tone. No exercise or drill will accompany the test.
Following an attention alert, residents should turn on a radio or television for information and instructions on an impending
emergency. If in a coastal
inundation area, they should evacuate to higher ground.
An attack warning directs residents to seek immediate shelter and remain sheltered in place until an all-clear message is broadcast over radio or television, the state said.
Oahu residents in areas surrounding Campbell Industrial Park — including portions of Kalaeloa,
Makakilo, Nanakuli, Kapolei and Ewa Beach — may also hear a “whooping” tone following the siren test. This is a test of the hazardous materials siren warning group, to be activated in the event of a hazmat incident requiring emergency notification of businesses, schools
and residents near the industrial park.
A Hawaii Emergency
Management Agency
report on December’s test shows that 28 sirens
statewide played the wrong sound or had other technical problems.
Nearly 93 percent of the state’s 386 sirens worked properly, the report said, but 12 mistakenly played
an ambulance siren.
Spokesman Richard Rapoza said the agency
is aware that people in Waikiki could barely hear the siren, but said all sirens in the tourist mecca functioned properly.
Officials plan to reposition sirens and add more.