A configuration error inadvertently activated emergency warning sirens across Oahu and several on Kauai a few hours before the scheduled siren test Tuesday.
The sirens accidentally went off at about 8 a.m. In a news release, Mel Kaku, director of the city Department of Emergency Management, said it was “an inadvertent activation in the course of preparing for today’s scheduled test” at 11:45 a.m.
The staff has since fixed the configuration error, he said.
The Emergency Management Department conducts monthly tests of its warning sirens, typically on the first day of the month.
Training to increase noise around Schofield
A series of training exercises around Schofield Barracks this month could prove noisy, the Army is warning.
The U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii said by email Tuesday that residents in the surrounding communities could hear helicopter traffic and artillery fire. Among the events:
>> Medical evacuation training at the East Range on Thursday and Friday will involve ground units and helicopters.
>> On Saturday and Sunday, artillery training will take place at Schofield.
>> From Monday to Jan. 26, there will be training with blank ammunition and explosive simulators at the East Range during the day and night. The East Range is in the Koolaus between Wahiawa and Mililani Mauka.
To report concerns related to noise or training, community members can call the garrison noise concern line at 656-3487 or email usaghi.comrel@gmail.com.
KAUAI
Unattended candle blamed for fire that destroys house
A home in Hanapepe, Kauai, was destroyed early Tuesday by a fire that may have been started by an unattended candle.
At about 5 a.m. firefighters responded to a call on Awawa Road and arrived to find a blaze engulfing the single-story, three-bedroom home, according to a news release from the Kauai Fire Department.
A resident was awakened by crackling from the fire and was able to escape. No injuries were reported.
The fire was extinguished at about 6:30 a.m., but the home is considered a “total loss.”
Investigators said they believe a candle left unattended in one of the bedrooms caused the blaze.
The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced resident.
HAWAII ISLAND
Boat ramp at Honokohau to be closed for new docks
The state will close the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor mauka boat ramp in Kailua-Kona later this month for an improvement project.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Tuesday that the $562,700 project will begin Jan. 30.
Both concrete loading docks will be removed, and new loading docks will be installed with new lumber fenders and cleats.
The ramp will be closed until the improvement project is completed, estimated to be by March 30. During that time boaters should coordinate with the Hawaii district boating staff for alternate launching sites, the state said.
The state says the project will help improve safety and provide better access for recreational and commercial vessel operators.
The docks are cracked and rusting. The loading dock on the mauka side has been condemned for several years. The makai loading dock has similar structural deficiencies, although not as bad.
