"This is a test of the emergency communication system."

Loud and clear - students got the mesage. Just one of the new tools the U.H. Manoa campus has rolled out in case of a real emergency.

"They'll drive to the scene, broadcast the emergency, tell people to either lock in place or take cover or evacuate or whatever is appropriate for the emergency," said U.H. Manoa Spokesman, Gregg Takayama.

"I do think it's helpful, it is, because, when we're in class we don't know what's going on," said U.H. Manoa Graduate student, Tammy tang.

Now, students won't have that excuse. The U-H is offering text message alerts for cellphones. But so far, only ten-percent of students have signed up.

"We probably sent out 25-30 thousand e-mail messages, so it's part of using all the different modes of communication to reach people," said David Lassner, U.H. Manoa Chief Information Officer. "We're really interested in having all of our students/faclty/staff sign up."

"It is necessary it's always better to be safe than sorry," said Tang.

"We know it's new, many may not be aware of it but today's drill will raise awareness," said Takayama

Students and faculty already get e-mail alerts, but that isn't always a guarantee the message is heard.

"The lesson is there is no one means that will reach everybody in the event of an emergency," said Lassner.

"The more the better is basically what we've learned from virginia tech and other tragedies," said Takayama. "You have to prepare for the worst, you pray for the best but you have to expect for the worse."

In the event of a campus emergency the Chancellor's office will decide when and how to alert students.

The text alert system was developed by U.H. Manoa alumni - and provided to the school free of charge.

Students can sign up for text alerts on the U.H. Manoa website , but signing up is only voluntary.

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