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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 12, 2026Miami-Dade County

Hawai Emergency Radio Silence During Hurricane Lowel Exposes Preparedness Flaws

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

A radio blackout in Hawai during Hurricane Lowel exposed deficiencies in the state's emergency response plan, despite longstanding official advisories urging residents to keep battery-powered radios for critical government broadcasts.

Emergency PreparednessHurricanesPublic SafetyCommunicationsDisaster Relief
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

Residents rely on emergency radio broadcasts for urgent warnings during severe storms, making system failures a critical safety risk when other communication channels fail.

Key Facts

  • Authorities in Hawai have long urged residents to keep portable radios and spare batteries for emergency warnings.
  • A radio silence occurred in Hawai during Hurricane Lowel.
  • The radio silence revealed a deficiency in the state's emergency plan.

Who's Mentioned

PersonZane Lacaden“General manager of Akamai Broadcasting.”locationMaui“Island affected by Kona storms.”OrganizationKKCR“Independent community radio station in Kauai providing emergency information.”locationKauai“Island affected by Hurricane Lowell.”PersonChris Leonard“President and CEO of New West Broadcasting Corp. and president of the Hawaii Ass”OrganizationFundación Lahui“Foundation that donated a Starlink system to KKCR.”locationHawai“state where emergency preparedness and the hurricane occurred”PersonLinda Lingle“Former governor of Hawaii.”PersonAnni Caporuscio“Executive director of KKCR.”otherHurricane Lowel“storm during which the radio silence occurred”PersonDarryl Oliveira“Interim administrator of the Hawaii County Civil Defense.”PersonGary Hooser“Former state senator and county council member experiencing communication isolat”OrganizationAkamai Broadcasting“Local media and broadcasting company in Maui.”PersonChuck Bergson“President and CEO of Pacific Media Group Inc.”OrganizationPacific Media Group Inc.“Media company operating KONG.”PersonRon Wiley“Local radio personality during Hurricane Iniki in 1992.”OrganizationKONG FM“Designated emergency radio station in Kauai that experienced power supply issues”OrganizationNew West Broadcasting Corp.“Broadcasting company on the Big Island.”