UPDATE: Read the results of today’s test here

HAWAII ISLAND – Today, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency plans to conduct a test of the emergency warning siren system at 11:45 a.m.

Officials say the test is necessary to confirm system readiness in the wake of adjustments and repairs performed immediately following the regular monthly test on July 1st, when 18 of the 71 sirens did not activate. The malfunction was linked to a radio system repeater site.

County officials say the issue was corrected immediately, and today’s follow-up test will confirm if the repairs were successful.

The malfunctioning sirens have been an ongoing issue over the last year. During a tsunami warning last October, numerous sirens in East Hawaii initially failed to sound, leading to some confusion over whether or not to evacuate.

Everything turned out OK that day, and the island was spared any serious damage.

However, since that time sirens tests have turned up problems on more than one occasion.

The public is reminded that the siren system is just one method of notification of emergencies and disasters. The activation or sounding of the sirens is a prompt to listen to the radio for follow-up information and instructions. The public is also encouraged to learn about the hazards that affect our community including tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc., and to plan and prepare for those unpredictable events.

Hawaii County Civil Defense

“Our goal is to continually improve our systems and capabilities, and to reduce the potential for breaks or gaps in our ability to provide the community with accurate and timely notifications and advisories. We appreciate the public’s understanding, and want to assure our community that every effort will be made to provide the necessary information and guidance to allow you to make decisions in the best interest of your safety.”