KEMA to Test Kaua‘i WENS Jan. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Reaching Opt-In, 4-1-1

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency ran a planned test of the county’s Wireless Emergency Notification System beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, with alerts issued during a one-hour window through 6:30 p.m. The exercise aimed to evaluate emergency messaging after the county integrated new 4-1-1 data to expand reach to landlines and registered mobile phones.

The test was delivered to WENS opt-in subscribers and to phone numbers and lines included through the newly integrated 4-1-1 data. Messages were sent to mobile devices, landlines and by email and could arrive as text messages or automated voice calls. The county noted that the message would clearly identify itself as a test: "The alert will clearly state that it is a test and will include an option to unsubscribe."

KEMA emphasized that the drill applied only to its WENS emergency notifications and would not activate specialized alerts from the Department of Water or the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division. The county release made that separation explicit: "This test applies only to WENS emergency notifications issued by KEMA and does not include specialized alerts from the Department of Water or the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division."

County officials and local coverage framed the exercise as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the island’s emergency communications. The addition of 4-1-1 data is intended to broaden the system’s reach to more residents and businesses through landlines and telecommunications partners that provide registered mobile numbers. WENS is described locally as a mass notification tool designed to quickly deliver critical information during emergencies such as flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other hazards that threaten life or property.

Residents and visitors who were not yet enrolled were urged to sign up. The county’s sign-up page for WENS alerts automatically enrolls submitted landlines, cell phones and email addresses for KEMA emergency alerts when the form is completed. Practical preparedness steps include checking that primary contact numbers are current, ensuring mobile devices can receive alerts, and using other channels such as local radio or community networks to cross-check messages.

The county first posted the notice on Jan. 12 and ran reminders the day of the test. For those who received the test, the unsubscribe option was available in the message. For anyone who did not receive a test and wants to be reached in future emergencies, sign up through the WENS Alerts Sign Up Page to ensure landlines, cell phones and email addresses are registered.