False Missile Alert in Hawaii - January 13, 2018

On January 13, 2018, a false missile alert was issued in Hawaii, causing widespread panic and confusion among residents and visitors. This event unfolded as follows:

Background

The false alert occurred during a period of heightened tensions between the United States and North Korea. North Korea had been conducting missile tests, and there was significant concern about the possibility of a missile attack on U.S. territories, including Hawaii.

The Event

• Time of Alert: At 8:07 a.m. local time, an emergency alert was sent to cell phones across Hawaii. The message read: “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

• Public Reaction: The alert caused immediate panic. Residents and tourists scrambled for shelter, and many sought safety in basements, bathtubs, or wherever they could find cover. Some people even said their goodbyes to loved ones, fearing the worst.

• Correction of the Alert: It took 38 minutes for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to issue a correction. At 8:45 a.m., a follow-up message was sent, stating that there was no missile threat or danger to the state of Hawaii.

Causes

The false alert was attributed to human error during a routine internal test of the emergency alert system. An employee mistakenly selected the wrong option from a drop-down menu, triggering the live alert instead of a test message.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Public Apology: The incident prompted apologies from state officials, including Hawaii Governor David Ige, who acknowledged the distress caused by the false alarm.

• Policy Changes: In response to the incident, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and HI-EMA conducted investigations. Changes were implemented to prevent similar errors in the future, including requiring two-person verification for test alerts and live alerts.

• Resignation and Reassignments: The employee responsible for the error was reassigned, and the head of HI-EMA resigned following the incident.

Broader Significance

The false missile alert highlighted vulnerabilities in emergency communication systems and underscored the importance of clear protocols and training. It also served as a reminder of the psychological impact of emergency alerts and the need for robust systems to ensure public safety and trust.

This event remains a significant example of the potential consequences of human error in emergency management and the importance of effective communication during crises.