Gabbard Questions Leaders on Hawaiʻi False Missile Alert

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard questions state and federal leaders on Hawaiʻi’s false missile alert. Photo Courtesy

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) questioned state and federal leaders on Oʻahu today about the false ballistic missile alert that went out across Hawaiʻi on Jan. 13, 2018.

The US Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee field hearing, led by US Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, was held on April 5, to take a closer look at the missile alert mistake and discuss what could be done next.

Rep. Gabbard and the Hawaiʻi congressional delegation questioned leaders from the Federal Communications Commission, United States Pacific Command, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and Hawaiʻi Association of Broadcasters about the details of what went wrong leading up to the false alert and immediately following, as well as what needs to be done now to address the preparedness, communications, and response gaps revealed by the alert.

“Nearly three months after Hawaiʻi’s false ballistic missile alert, many questions remain unanswered,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “Today’s hearing was an important opportunity to dig deeper into the gaps that still exist across every level of government, and what needs to be done going forward. One takeaway that is abundantly clear is that the status quo is both outdated and inadequate given the serious nuclear threat Hawai’i faces from North Korea. We must work to address the problems that have been identified, strengthen our missile defense system, and exhaust all diplomatic means to denuclearize North Korea peacefully and remove this threat.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Gabbard hosted a Congress On Your Corner in Līhuʻe, where she visited with dozens of Kauaʻi residents, listened to their ideas and concerns, and answered questions about legislation and her work in Congress and at home in Hawaiʻi. The congresswoman also shared information about hurricane season and disaster preparedness, including a 14-day checklist for Hawaiʻi families.

Tomorrow, April 6, Rep. Gabbard will host a “Congress On Your Corner” at the KTA on Pu‘ainako Street in Hilo from 2:15-3:30 p.m., and will also attend the Merrie Monarch Festival.