The Kauaʻi Police Department has joined the county’s emergency mass notification system, giving law enforcement another tool to quickly alert residents and visitors about threats to public safety.
The partnership, announced by the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, expands use of the Everbridge Emergency Mass Notification System, which is already used by the emergency management agency, the Kauaʻi Fire Department and the county Department of Water.
Everbridge distributes emergency information through text messages, automated phone calls and email. It can be used during natural disasters such as hurricanes, flash floods and wildfires, as well as other emergencies or security incidents that pose a risk to life or property.
Police Chief Rudy Tai said the system will strengthen the department’s ability to communicate during critical incidents.
“We are pleased to offer an additional messaging platform that will aid in notifying the public of critical incidents that threaten public safety,” Tai said.
The police department was criticized by some in Kauaʻi residents for not receiving timely information about the manhunt in early June for a triple murder suspect.
The notification platform is one of several systems used to warn the public during emergencies and may be activated alongside outdoor warning sirens, Wireless Emergency Alerts, the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio and other emergency communication tools.
Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio said the expanded partnership will help ensure the public receives timely and reliable information as incidents unfold.
“We want to ensure that residents and visitors to Kauaʻi receive accurate and timely information during rapidly evolving situations,” Ushio said.
“Whether related to severe weather, security incidents or broader operational updates, we’re pleased to support several County of Kauaʻi departments to manage events of scale.”
County officials are encouraging residents and visitors to enroll in the Everbridge system using a cellphone number, landline or email address. Subscribers are automatically signed up to receive emergency alerts issued by the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, including notifications that may originate from the police department.
Those who wish to receive Department of Water notifications, including water outage and conservation alerts, can opt in to these specialized messages during registration.
Click here for further information on the notification system and emergency preparedness resources provided by the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency or call 808-241-1800.
