Princeville siren
Recently, as I participated in Kaua‘i’s monthly siren test from my home in Princeville, it was very obvious that we have no sirens in Princeville — even though there are 11 sirens on Kaua‘i’s North Shore.
I participated in the Princeville test reporting on the amateur radio network. The horrible Lahaina fire disaster clearly points out that in such major emergencies all possible warning systems must be used. These include radio broadcasts, cellphone alerts and sirens.
We could barely hear the Anini North siren if we listened closely, however, my experience has shown that many in Princeville cannot hear any sirens.
This is very scary as a wildfire or other disasters could happen in Princeville and most people would have no warning.
I have campaigned for a Princeville siren for years with no results. I have even written to the governor. At one point I was told they were looking for a site to condemn for the siren.
This is ludicrous as there are a lot of excellent sites on public property, including the fire and police station, the library and the community park. I have knowledge of the siting requirements as my work with FAA as an engineer included siting similar facilities and any of these sites would be excellent. I understand that others in Princeville have also campaigned for a siren with no luck.
Compared to Lahaina, Princeville and the North Shore face even a scarier situation as they had two escape routes whereas we only have one — Kuhio Highway.
John Gordon, Princeville
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There is a siren somewhere at Anini Beach but I’m sure that it would not wake a resident from sleep if the emergency occurred at night. Dead end Anini Beach Rd, passing within feet of the ocean, could easily be blocked in an emergency with no other way out.
More sirens, louder sirens, assuring that private uphill homes have no gates or are able to be opened, providing access thru the Stone property in Princeville are all steps that should be taken. In general North Shore shelters are inadequate. Hotels and public buildings should be mandated to allow shelter during an emergency.
Are any of these tasks being worked on by EMS?
Use some common sense there will ever be a fire like Maui on the north shore of Kauai. Stop with the scare tatics.