2023-02-16 Mayor's Severe Weather Emergency Proclamation

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• Jt•. os Myy • cp ,•. Lee E.Lord Managing Director Mitchell D.Roth - *.r r Mayor :_ _" '� • i Robert H.Command . •oF �� Deputy Managing Director 46 1wnf ifCill a£tn ®ffc tilt Atapr 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i Revised Statutes and Chapter 7, Articles 1 and 2 of the Hawai`i County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the County of Hawai`i and prescribes its powers, duties, and responsibilities, and Section 13-23 of the Hawai`i County Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare emergencies; and WHEREAS, on February 16, 2023, at 3:20 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire State of Hawai`i due to a kona low expected to bring a plume of deep tropical moisture to the islands throughout the next few days. Widespread heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are possible with the heavy rainfall beginning today over the Island of Hawai`i, which could result in flash flooding particularly in areas which are already saturated from recent rainfall; and WHEREAS, on February 16, 2023, at 3:22 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Island of Hawai`i summits with temperatures near or below freezing with periods of heavy snow and wind gusts as high as sixty (60) mph; 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 Hawai`i, State of Hawai`i, and the Federal government; and WHEREAS, due to the possibility of imminent disaster due to property damage and/or bodily injury to residents of Hawai`i 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, Hawai`i Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, Hawai`i County Code. County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.