Hawaii to test nuclear attack siren

HONOLULU: Just days after North Korea tested its most powerful missile yet, Hawaii is dusting off a relic not heard on the islands since the end of the Cold War.

The monthly test of Hawaii’s siren warning system for tsunamis and other natural disasters will have an added tone when it sounds today – one designed to alert residents of an impending nuclear attack.

“We believe that it is imperative that we be prepared for every disaster, and in today’s world, that includes a nuclear attack,” Hawaii Gov David Ige said yesterday, adding that the possibility is remote.

Ige said the new test will ensure the public knows what they should do in case of an imminent attack. If a missile is launched, residents and tourists would have less than 20 minutes to take shelter, officials said.

“There needs to be different action taken should there be a nuclear attack than what is expected for a hurricane or tsunami,” said Ige.

The attack warning with a wailing sound will be tested after a test of the long, steady siren for tsunamis and other events that people in Hawaii have grown accustomed to.

Vern Miyagi, administrator for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said the state delayed the test for a month to let people know it would be happening. Hawaii had turned to public service announcements on TV and radio, town hall meetings, information on agency websites and media stories.