2022-12-19 Mayor's Severe Weather Emergency Proclamation (2)

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Mitchell D. Roth 1laror Lee E. Lord Managing Director Robert H. Command Deputy Managing Director (EVUUN of ui tit (Offtrr of thr flbpr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 MAYOR'S SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides for the establishment of County organizations for emergency management and disaster relief with the Mayor having direct responsibility and authority over emergency management within the County; and WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaii Revised Statutes and Chapter 7, Articles 1 and 2 of the Hawaii County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the County of Hawaii and prescribes its powers, duties, and responsibilities, and Section 13-23 of the Hawaii County Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare emergencies; and WHEREAS, on December 19, 2022, at 4:42 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Island of Hawaii including Big Island summits with southwest winds of thirty (30) to forty-five (45) mile per hour ("MPH") winds possible and with gusts over eighty (80) MPH also possible; and WHEREAS, on December 19, 2022, at 4:55 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Island of Hawaii that heavy rain was falling at a rate of two (2) to three (3) inches of rain per hour in some areas; and WHEREAS, on December 19, 2022, at 4:58 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Island of Hawaii; and WHEREAS, due to excessive rainfall resulting in flooding, temporary road closures were required and additional road closures may become necessary; and WHEREAS, sudden, severe and extraordinary events of lightning, heavy rains, and flooding are causing damage, loss, and suffering of such character and magnitude to affect the health, welfare and safety of the public and is of such a nature as to require assistance from the County of Hawal`i, State of Hawaii, and the Federal government; and WHEREAS, due to the possibility of imminent disaster due to property damage and/or bodily injury to residents of Hawaii Island, and the need for government agencies and representatives from the private sector to mobilize and provide immediate services to our island residents, a Civil Defense state of emergency is authorized pursuant to Chapters 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, Hawai`i County Code. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.