Emergency warning sirens to be tested Friday

KAILUA-KONA — A handful of emergency warning sirens on the Big Island will be tested between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Tests will be conducted at Napoopoo in South Kona, Punaluu in Ka‘u, Baker Avenue/Hualani Park in Hilo and Hawaiian Paradise Park #3 in Puna.

Residents nearby may hear the siren sound for 30-seconds to 3-minute intervals during the identified timeframe. Testing will include short blasts known as “burps.” During the tests, Emergency Management officials and technicians will be checking the functionality of the sirens.

Residents with concerns about the sirens or their operations, or with reports of siren malfunctions, should contact Hawaii County Civil Defense at 935-0031.