The U.S. magazine Newsweek says the state of Hawaii is preparing contingency plans to deal with a possible attack by North Korea.

Hawaii defense officials estimate an intercontinental ballistic missile fired from North Korea could reach their islands, about 74-hundred kilometers away, in 20 minutes.

Newsweek says Hawaii is exploring a new missile defense initiative as well as "reviewing existing procedures for mass casualty and fatality management." 

Newsweek said the state is also exploring ways to incorporate cell phones into its emergency alert system, rather than relying solely on television, radio and sirens.

The report does emphasize that there is little evidence to suggest Hawaii is in any imminent danger.

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