2024-10-16 Red Flag Warning Emergency Proclamation and Emergency Rule No. 1

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Mitchell D. Roth Mayor• Deanna Sako Managing Director Robert H. Command Deputy Managing Director AT V-11jult ]AP"hivalilli Off rr, of f4t,4aVor 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, 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, § 127A-25, Hawai'i Revised Statutes, 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 October 16, 2024, at 6:53 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all Leeward areas for the State of Hawaii from 10 a.m. this morning until 6 p.m. this evening. The Red Flag Warning further indicated that winds from the East are expected between 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph; and WHEREAS, on October 16, 2024, at 6:53 a.m. the National Weather Service, in its Red Flag Warning specifically identified North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Kau, Big Island Interior areas, and parts of the Puna district of Hawaii Island, are covered by this Red Flag Warning, which states "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" 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. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.'; and WHEREAS, Hawaii County's preparedness for a quickly spreading fire, or fires, requires that everyone take precautions and exercise caution to avoid inadvertent fires; and County of HaNvai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.