Hawaiʻi Police Department
Office of the Chief
Harry S. Kubojiri
Phone 961-2244
Media Release (update)
In response to reports that some Civil Defense emergency sirens failed during the recent tsunami warning, Hawaiʻi County police and fire personnel were tasked with monitoring all 71 sites around the island to provide feedback about which sirens need to be repaired or adjusted.
Although the siren system is managed by State Civil Defense, the counties provide assistance with maintenance and operation of the warning sirens.
The test Thursday determined that 13 sirens are not working properly.
The sirens that did not sound at all or did not sound properly during the 11:45 a.m. monthly test were located at Kawailani Street in Hilo, Pāpaikou, Paauilo, Oʻokala, Hakalau, Laupāhoehoe Point Park, Honokaʻa, Waiaka, Puakō, Kamehameha Park, Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Nāpoʻopoʻo and Makuʻu Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
A follow-up test was conducted at 3:10 p.m.
Mayor Kenoi authorized immediate repairs in the interest of the public’s safety.
Personnel from State Civil Defense will be on the island of Hawaiʻi on Friday (November 2) to work with personnel from the Police Department’s Radio Shop and begin the repairs.