Hawaii to prepare residents for North Korean nuclear attack

Hawaii will roll out a plan on Friday to prepare residents for a possible North Korean nuclear missile attack, according to local media.

“We do not want to cause any undue stress for the public; however, we have a responsibility to plan for all hazards,” Vern Miyagi, the state’s Emergency Management Agency administrator, told Hawaiian news outlets in a statement.

Earlier this month, North Korea for the first time successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The test appears to indicate that a North Korean missile could reach Alaska, but not Hawaii.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Paul Selva told the Senate this week Pyongyang does not yet have the guidance and control technology necessary to reliably and accurately strike the United States.

Still, Hawaiian officials framed their education campaign as a prudent precaution.

“We don’t know the exact capabilities or intentions of the North Korean government, but there is clear evidence that it is trying to develop ballistic missiles that could conceivably one day reach our state,” Miyagi said. “Therefore, we cannot wait to begin our public information campaign to ensure that Hawaii residents will know what to do if such an event occurs.”

It’s estimated an ICBM launched from North Korea would take up to 20 minutes to travel to Hawaii, with the public receiving a warning about 12 minutes beforehand.

Hawaii’s preparedness plan will be based on what would happen if a 15-kiloton nuclear weapon detonated 1,000 feet above Honolulu, according to local media.

In the event of an attack, public service announcements would tell people to “get inside, stay inside and stay tuned,” according to the reports.

The preparedness plan will also include school evacuation drills, similar to the kind now done for active shooters, according to local media.

Hawaii will also start testing a new emergency siren beginning in November as part of the campaign, according to the reports.