$8 Million for Upgrades to Hawaii's Disaster Warning Sirens and Communications System

Earlier this week, Gov. Linda Lingle has released over $8 million to upgrade of Hawaii's disaster warning system. The funds will be used to upgrade existing civil defense sirens and install new solar-powered sirens throughout the state, focusing on tsunami inundation zones.

"Sirens are an effective tool for alerting the public in emergencies," said Governor Lingle. "It is imperative that we have a comprehensive and up-to-date system in place to support State Civil Defense in responding to disasters and keeping our residents and visitors safe."

Earlier this year, Hawaii's State Civil Defense identified the need for 249 sirens to be installed or replaced, including at sites on Hawaii, Kauai, L