Civil Defense
Hawai‘i's State Civil Defense agency has developed a warning system to alert the public of an emergency. If you hear Civil Defense sirens (a steady siren tone for 3 minutes and repeated if necessary), listen to your car radio for emergency instructions on what to do. Please note that civil defense sirens are routinely tested at 11:45 am on the first working day of each month.

Emergency Broadcast Stations
Designated radio stations will broadcast important information in the event an emergency occurs, such as flash flood warnings and other similar events.

Hawai‘i Island
94.7 FM KWXX (Hilo)
97.9 FM KKBG (Kona)

Kaua‘i
93.5 FM KQNG

Maui
550 AM KMVI

O‘ahu
590 AM KSSK
96.3 FM KRTR

Foreign language radio stations also broadcast emergency related information:

• KZOO 1210 AM (Japanese)

• KNDI 1270AM (Samoan, Marshallese, Visayan, Tagalog, Cantonese)

• KREA 1540 AM (Korean)


Watches and Warnings
Watches and warnings are prepared for the Hawaiian Islands by the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. When watches and warnings are issued, people should closely monitor radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the event's progress and instructions from civil defense authorities.
The following descriptions are provided to assist you in understanding the various watches, warnings and advisories that could be issued:

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane/Tropical Storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane/Tropical Storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Flood Advisory: Exercise caution due to hazardous driving conditions. Be alert for ponding and debris on roadway: slippery roads and poor visibility.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Be alert!

Flash Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring. Get to high ground if you are in a flood prone area.

Tsunami Watch: Issued by Pacific Tsunami Center after distant earthquakes with potential to create a tsunami in Hawai‘i. Tsunami waves are possible.

Urgent Local Tsunami Warning: Issued when a local earthquake has occurred and damaging ways are probable. Wave travel time may be as short as 10-20 minutes.

In addition to state and county civil defense agencies and other emergency responders, visitors staying in hotel properties will be provided with information on what to do during various crisis situations. Emergency procedures for your respective hotel can be found in the back of the information compendium in your guest room. Please take a moment to review this important information.


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