Announcements: February 1, 2023 – West Hawaii Today

Warning sirens to be tested

The monthly test of the All-Hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1st at 11:45 am. The siren test is coordinated with a test of the Emergency Alert System’s live audio transmission segment.

During this monthly test, all exterior warning sirens nationwide will sound a one-minute alert (continuous tone). A test of the Emergency Alert System’s live audio broadcast segment will be conducted at approximately the same time as the monthly siren sounding in cooperation with the Hawaii Broadcasting Industry. There will be no drill or practice to accompany the test.

Emergency management and preparedness information can be found at the front of any county telephone directory or online at ready.hawaii.gov. To report problems with siren operation on the island of Hawaii, call the Hawaii County Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

Hawaii County Planning Director speaks at town meeting

Hawaii County Planning Director Zendo Kern will be in the spotlight at the Waimea Community Association Hybrid City Meeting on Thursday, February 2 from 5:30-7:00 p.m

Kern will discuss his department’s vision, priorities, and problem-solving efforts to address the challenges and opportunities of land use that impact many aspects of life across the country. This includes the department’s responsibility for providing technical advice and assistance to the mayor, planning commissions and the borough council, as well as administering the borough’s subdivision and zoning ordinances. Topics include the status of the county’s community development plans (CDPs), the still-evolving electronic processing and information center (EPIC) system and ongoing revisions to subdivision and zone codes, and how to deal with temporary housing leases.

The community is invited to attend the meeting in person at Tutu’s House or stream it virtually “live” on Facebook and YouTube. To attend virtually, links can be found at waimeatown.org.

As always, questions are welcome – ideally in advance – by emailing [email protected] Questions may also be submitted in writing in person at the meeting or typed into the chat for response when time permits.

“A full hour will be dedicated to this important conversation to provide a fitting opportunity to cover the broad spectrum and technical nature of planning issues that affect so many – from individual residents and homeowners, businesses large and small, schools, faith organizations and more nonprofits Organizations and those struggling with the high cost of living, rising property taxes and a rapidly shrinking stock of truly affordable housing,” said WCA President James Hustace.

As usual, the WCA Town Meetings will include a brief public safety update from South Kohala Community Policing Officers, and the nonprofit organization in the spotlight will be Habitat for Humanity.

Also on Saturday, February 4th, there will be a briefing on communitywide plans for the 30th Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.

“There is a lot of excitement about this year’s festival restarting after being canceled for the past three years due to the COVID pandemic,” Hustace said.

For more information about the meeting or community association, email WCA President James Hustace at [email protected] or visit waimeatown.org.

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