WAIKŌLOA VILLAGE, HAWAI’I – Residents of Waikōloa Village will hear a new sound during the upcoming monthly all-hazard warning siren test on Thursday, May 1st, as two newly installed sirens are integrated into the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System for the first time.
The new sirens, located at Puʻu Nui Park and Kamakoa Nui Park, are the latest addition to the island’s emergency preparedness infrastructure. The test will occur at 11:45 a.m. and will activate all sirens in the network for one minute.
“These new sirens are a welcomed addition to our island’s emergency notification system,” said County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda. “They represent another step forward in keeping our communities informed and safe. During an emergency, timely alerts can make all the difference, and these sirens will help ensure that our residents can take action when it matters most.”
During an actual emergency, the sirens will sound for three minutes, signaling residents to seek further information. Residents are urged to check their trusted media source, tune into local radio, television, or check their cell phones for emergency messages if they hear a siren outside of the scheduled monthly test.
The County of Hawaiʻi encourages residents to report the results of the monthly siren tests, noting any operational issues or malfunctions, to ensure the system’s continued effectiveness. This feedback is crucial to maintaining a reliable warning system for the entire island.