NR 01-12-26 (Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) test scheduled for Jan. 26)

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DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
REIKO MATSUYAMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR

News Release

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2026

Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) test scheduled for Jan. 26

LĪHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is advising the public of a planned test of the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) at (TIME) on Monday, January 26. This test supports ongoing efforts to strengthen the county’s emergency communication system, including the integration of new 4-1-1 data to improve the delivery of public information during emergencies.

Residents and visitors who are subscribed to the WENS “Opt-In” emergency notification system will receive a test alert on their mobile device, landline, or by email during a one-hour window from 5:30 p.m. to6:30 p.m. on January 26. The alert will clearly state that it is a test and will include an option to unsubscribe. Please note that 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.

WENS is 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. The integration of 4-1-1 data will expand the system’s reach to more residents and businesses through landlines and registered mobile phones provided by telecommunications partners, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of emergency messages.

WENS is one of several tools used to share emergency information and may be activated alongside sirens, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Subscribers may receive messages by text, automated voice call, or email.

“This test represents an important step in strengthening Kaua‘i’s emergency notification network,” said Elton Ushio, KEMA Administrator. “By integrating 4-1-1 data and conducting a controlled test, we can improve the accuracy, reliability, and speed of our alerts to ensure our community stays safe, informed, and resilient.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to subscribe landlines, cell phones, or email addresses to WENS by visiting the WENS Alerts Sign Up Page. When filling out the sign-up form, you will automatically be enrolled for KEMA emergency alerts. If you would like to receive specialized alerts from the Department of Water and the Department of Public Works Solid Waste alerts, please select those on the form. The Department of Water uses WENS alerts for water outages, water conservation notices, and more. The Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division uses WENS alerts for residential trash pick-up delays.

Following the test, KEMA will evaluate system performance including delivery success, geographic reach, and unsubscribe requests to guide future improvements and support full implementation before an emergency occurs.

For more information about WENS or emergency preparedness on Kaua‘i, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA or call (808) 241-1800.

If you have questions or require an auxiliary aid or service, an interpreter for non-English speakers, or other accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at (808) 241-1800 or email kema@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Early requests are encouraged to allow adequate time to meet your needs. This notice is available in alternate formats upon request, including large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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