State to fix warning sirens on Big Island
HILO >> Emergency sirens on Hawaii island that recently failed will be improved or replaced, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
During a test earlier this month, 18 sirens failed, and during a tsunami warning in October, 13 failed.
To ensure that the sirens that failed during this month’s test are working, another test was expected to be conducted.
The state is working to modernize the system across the islands. A new activation system will rely on cellular and satellite networks, instead of radio transmissions.
According to the state, Hawaii County will get 51 additional sirens, which would bring the total there to 124.
Locations proposed for new sirens or upgrades include Puna, Kona, South Kohala and Hilo, county Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said.
Work orders could be issued in September, with replacements and upgrades in the following three to four months, said George Burnett, state Civil Defense telecommunications officer.
The project will cost $3.4 million, funding that will be requested from the state Legislature for the 2015-16 fiscal year, Burnett said. The project is expected to be mostly complete by the end of next year.
Dogs stolen from kennel
Hawaii County police are investigating the theft of three purebred German shepherds, valued at $7,500, from a Puna kennel in May.
Police said the dogs — two males named Kujo and Mondavi, and a female named Max — were removed from a kennel in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision May 6. The dogs are valued at $2,500 each.
The kennel was at a home on the 15-1500 block of 2nd Avenue.
Police ask anyone with information about the theft or the location of the dogs to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Wendall Carter at 961-2378 or wcarter@co. hawaii.hi.us.
