Key Takeaways:
– A false ballistic missile alert in 2018 caused widespread panic in Hawaii.
– A man suffered a heart attack after believing the alert was real.
– The state settled a lawsuit with the man and his partner for $275,000.
– The incident led to major changes in emergency alert systems nationwide.
The Day Hawaii Thought the End Was Near
On January 13, 2018, thousands of people in Hawaii received a terrifying message on their phones. It read:
“BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
For James Sean Shields and Brenda Reichel, the alert was devastating. They were on their way to Sandy Beach when the message popped up. Like many others, they believed it was real. Shields quickly texted his children on the mainland to tell them he loved them, preparing for the worst.
But what happened next was unexpected. Shields began experiencing severe chest pain. He tried to ease it by taking a dip in the ocean, but it didn’t help. By the time they reached the hospital, his heart had stopped completely. He survived only after emergency surgery.
A False Alarm with Real Consequences
The alert turned out to be a mistake. A Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) employee accidentally sent it during a drill. The employee, known as the “Button Pusher,” didn’t hear the word “exercise” during the training call and thought it was a real emergency. He was later fired for the mistake.
But the panic didn’t end quickly. It took state officials nearly 40 minutes to send an all-clear message. Hawaii Gov. David Ige admitted he couldn’t immediately post the correction on social media because he didn’t know his password. The delay added to the chaos and fear.
A Lawsuit and a Settlement
Shields and Reichel filed a lawsuit against the state in 2018, claiming the false alert caused Shields’ heart attack. A cardiologist agreed, stating that the stress from believing a missile was heading their way likely triggered the medical emergency.
The lawsuit took seven years to resolve. Earlier this year, the state agreed to settle for $275,000. A spokesperson for the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office confirmed this is the only lawsuit related to the false alert that the state has settled.
How the Incident Changed Emergency Alerts
The false missile alert sparked outrage and calls for change. Hawaii’s Legislature quickly passed a law allowing federal agencies to handle emergency alerts, reducing the chance of similar errors.
The incident also inspired Hawaii’s congressional delegation to push for improvements in emergency management systems nationwide. This ensured that other states could learn from Hawaii’s mistake and improve their own alert processes.
The Legacy of the False Alert
While Shields and Reichel received financial compensation, the incident left a lasting impact. It highlighted the importance of clear communication during emergencies and the need for better training for those responsible for sending alerts.
The $275,000 settlement is currently awaiting final approval from the Hawaii Legislature as part of its annual payment of claims. A companion bill in the Senate is also moving through the approval process.
This story serves as a reminder of how a simple mistake can have life-changing consequences. It also shows how even in the face of error, positive change can follow.