Capitol Fire Alarm Testing Nets House Staff Time Off

Because of the noise disruption, Speaker Joe Souki orders full day of leave on New Year’s Eve.

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Staff at the Hawaii state Senate and House of Representatives will work just a half day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

But, because of fire alarm testing at the Capitol building, House Speaker Joe Souki is now giving House staff a full day off on Dec. 31.

“The noise and disruption caused by the building-wide testing is expected to take place for most of the day,” Souki said in Dec. 19 memo. “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of the Members and staff for the good work done on behalf of the House, and look forward to another productive and successful year.”

The House employs 123 permanent staff. The Senate, which employs 100 full-time workers, will still work the half-day on New Year’s Eve.

Folks around the Big Square Building on Beretania say the noise from the tests is not pleasant, enhanced in part by the echo effect of the open-air Rotunda.

broken fire alarm at Capitol

A broken fire alarm at a Capitol men’s room.

Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat

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