WARD INTRODUCES BILL MANDATING DOE SHELTER-IN-PLACE DRILLS AT ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Hawaii's children must have safe haven at their schools in the event of a missile attack.”

News Release from Office of Rep Gene Ward (R-Hawaii-Kai)

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI–Representative Gene Ward (R–Hawaiʻi Kai, Kalama Valley) introduced a bill today that would require each public school in Hawaii to develop an attack and disaster preparedness plan that includes shelter-in-place drills. It also would require and provide funding for schools to maintain a 48-hour supply of food, water and emergency goods. Schools would have to have this plan in place by September 1, 2018.

“We saw widespread panic in the wake of Saturday's false alarm sent out by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Imagine if that had happened on a school day with thousands of children, teachers and school staff on campus," Ward said.

“Hawaii's children must have safe haven at their schools in the event of a missile attack or a natural disaster. It is up to us to make sure there are plans in place and supplies available should that occur."

Ward reminds that even though Saturday's alert turned out to be a false alarm, the threat of attack, particularly from North Korea, is real and should be taken seriously.

“We cannot let our guard down," Ward said. "Kim Jong Un is continuing to develop long-range missiles and I firmly believe he will not hesitate to use them. We must have plans in place should that day come.”

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