Warning sirens to be tested
The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
During this monthly test, all Statewide Outdoor Warning Sirens will sound a one-minute Attention Alert Signal (SteadyTone). A test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System is conducted at roughly the same time as the monthly siren sounding, in cooperation with Hawaii’s broadcast industry. There will be no exercise or drill accompanying the test.
Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located at the front section of telephone directories in all counties or online at ready.hawaii.gov. To report siren operation issues on Hawaii Island call Hawaii County Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.
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Hawaii County planning director to speak at town meeting
Hawaii County Planning Director Zendo Kern will be in the spotlight during the Thursday, Feb. 2, Waimea Community Association hybrid town meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Kern will discuss his department’s vision, priorities and problem solving efforts to address land use challenges and opportunities that impact many aspects of life countywide. This will include the department’s responsibility to provide technical advice and support for the mayor, planning commissions and County Council, and also administering the county’s subdivision and zoning codes. Topics will include the status of the county’s Community Development Plans (CDPs), the still evolving Electronic Processing and Information Center (EPIC) system, and in-progress subdivision and zoning codes revisions and addressing transient accommodation rentals.
The community is invited to attend the meeting in person at Tutu’s House or virtually streamed “live” to Facebook and YouTube. To attend virtually, find links at waimeatown.org.
As always, questions are welcome — ideally in advance — via email to waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com. Questions may also be submitted in writing in-person at the meeting or typed into the chat to be addressed as time permits.
“A full hour will be devoted to this important conversation to provide a reasonable opportunity to cover the wide range and technical nature of planning issues that touch so many – from individual residents and homeowners, businesses large and small, schools, faith organizations and more including non-profits and those who struggle with the high cost of living, soaring property taxes and rapidly shrinking inventory of truly affordable housing,” said WCA President James Hustace.
As usual, WCA Town Meetings include a brief public safety update by South Kohala Community Policing Officers, and the spotlighted not-for-profit will be Habitat for Humanity.
There also will be a briefing on community-wide plans for the 30th Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4.
“There is much excitement about this year’s festival re-starting after having to be cancelled the past three years due to the COVID pandemic,” said Hustace.
For more info about the meeting or community association, email WCA President James Hustace at waimeacommunityassociation@gmail.com or visit waimeatown.org.
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