An unscheduled tsunami siren activation Thursday afternoon (Nov. 1) caught the public and Civil Defense off guard.

The alarms blared across the island at 3:10 p.m. without warning, over three hours after the scheduled test at 11:45 a.m.

The Hawaii Police Department announced 10 minutes later that there was no danger and that it had activated the sirens as part of ongoing tests. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

State officials forecast smooth Big Isle election

Unexpected siren activation causes concern

Maui candidate Kaniela Ing fined

Kapaa accident makes for nightmare commute, leaves 900 without power

Marten says of McKelvey: Should do will of the people

Volunteers attack Morgan’s Pond waters to Make A Difference

Burglaries rattle Keaukaha

Nawiliwili ATM theft lands Kapaa man 10 years

Hilo dialysis clinic nears completion

Officials: Better organization helped Lahaina Halloween

New roof slated for Yano Hall

Molokai pharmacist receives award

Hawaii County’s $44 million Kamakoa Nui housing project opens summer 2013

Panel revisiting approvals for Kihei malls, hears testimony

Photo of March 2011 tsunami debris at Keauhou Bay Beach Park courtesy SteveD.