Hawaii's North Korea Plans Prepare for Potential Nuclear Strike

Hawaii planners are going nuclear over the North Korean missile threat as they began an educational campaign Friday on what to do in case the reclusive communist country decided to strike the island state.

State officials have been working on preparedness and disaster management plans, but stressed that the citizens should not be alarmed by the educational effort, reported Hawaii News Now. Vern Miyagi, administrator for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said residents there should take preparing for a North Korean threat much like they would for a hurricane or tsunami.

"We need to tell the public what the state is doing," Miyagi said, according to Hawaii News Now. "We do not want to cause any undue stress for the public; however, we have a responsibility to plan for all hazards."

North Korean state media announced earlier this month that one of its test missiles reached an altitude of 1,741 miles, which could put it in range of Hawaii and Alaska.

"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 in a statement, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

"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," he added.

Charlene Chan, the Hawaii Tourism Authority communications director, told the Star Advertiser the preparation should not scare off tourists, which could negatively affect the islands' economy.

"Everyone's safety in Hawaii is always our top priority," Chan told the newspaper. "We support the efforts of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to prepare for any threat to Hawaii's well-being, be it man-made or a natural disaster.

"However, we also know from speaking to our tourism industry partners that if reports are misinterpreted about the state's need to prepare for an attack, this could lead to travelers and groups staying away from Hawaii. The effect of such a downturn would ultimately be felt by residents who rely on tourism’s success for their livelihood," she added.

The newspaper said the education plan includes evacuation drills, public service announcements, and how to find out information in case of an incident.

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