2023-11-14 Mayor's Emergency Proclamation and Rule: Red Flag Warning

Home

Mitchell D. Roth Mavor Lee E. Lord Managing Director Robert H. Command Depiav Managing Director (Officr of #4e aVnr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 . Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 SUPPLEMENTAL RED FLAG WARNING EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Chapter 127A, Hawaii 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 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, Chapter 127A-25 authorizes the Mayor to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 127A that carry the full force and effect of law; and WHEREAS, on November 4, 2023, at 3:15 pm the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all Leeward and Interior portions of Hawaii 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, on November 14, 2023, at 3:15 am the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from 10 am to 6 pm today for all Leeward areas, including North Kona, South Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala, Ka`u, and all Interior areas of the .Big Island indicating that "[a]lthough an area of showers is moving over the islands this morning, it has not brought significant rainfall to leeward areas. Additionally, a drier air mass will move over the islands by this afternoon, bringing an increased risk for fire danger due to strong and gusty trade winds. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. High winds contribute to wildfire hazard. Delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly." The National Weather Service predicts winds may be between 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, while relative humidity may be as low as 40 percent; and County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.