2023-09-11 Mayor's Emergency Proclamation and Rule: Red Flag Warning

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Mitchell D. Roth May 0 1 - Lee E. Lord Managing Director Robert H. Command Deputy Managing Director %LXUUN of (Off re off i> apr 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, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 - Fax (808) 323-4440 RED FLAG WARNING EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND EMERGENCY RULE NO. 1 WHEREAS, Chapter 127A, Hawai'i Revised Statutes, as amended, provides for the establishment of County organizations for disaster relief with a director in charge of each political subdivision; and WHEREAS, Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes and Chapter 7, Articles I 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, Chapter 127A-25 authorizes the Mayor to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of Hawaii Revised Statute, Chapter 127A and that carry the full force and effect of law; and WHEREAS, on August 30, 2023, at 3:38 pm the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all Leeward portions of Hawai'i Island which states "Dry fuels combined with strong and gusty trade winds and low humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions" and describes precautionary/preparedness actions as follows: "Outdoor burning is not recommended. Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared. High winds contribute to wildfire hazard. Delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down"; and WHEREAS, Hawai'i County's preparedness for a quickly spreading fire, or fires, requires that everyone take precautions and exercise caution to avoid inadvertent fires; and WHEREAS, current weather conditions and those expected over the next several days pose an imminent threat which may likely result in substantial injury or harm to the population or Substantial damage to or loss of property or substantial damage to or loss of the environment; 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 Chapter I 27A, Hawai'i Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, I-lawai'i County Code; and County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.