Some possible motives: - To allow authorities to listen for "chatter" from NK military deployed in Hawaii who might have been ready to carry out some action if

Some possible motives: - To allow authorities to listen for "chatter" from NK military deployed in Hawaii who might have been ready to carry out some action if an attack were launched, but who would not likely have been told when it would occur. - To watch how NK responds internally to the idea that the US might be launching a counter-strike. Things like escape routes, comms, etc., could be observed via sigint. - To create a "path" for the public to think about this kind of thing. It's been years since anyone in the US (public or media) has had to think about incoming missile attacks. The false alarm gives all the reporters an excuse to read up on the history, to issue warnings about lack of preparedness, etc. This means that in the event of an actual attack the information mechanisms will all work more smoothly. It's a dress rehearsal so that everyone is not stuck like a deer in the headlights if an attack occurs. - The false alarm could have been triggered by someone on the payroll of NK. Note that the main goal of the military is to inspire fear, not to actually kill people.