2024-11-15 Emergency Proclamation Relating to November 2024 Red Flag Warning

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Mitchell D. Roth Mayor Deanna S. Sako Managing Director Robert H. Command Deputy Managing Director ff VIODUN of(Aa�jat�C O f rp of fhr apr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokilole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 . Fax (808) 323-4440 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND EMERGENCY RULE NO. 1 RELATING TO NOVEMBER 2024 RED FLAG WARNING 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 November 13, 2024, the National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for all islands for Friday, November 15, 2024; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2024, at 2:53 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all Leeward areas for the State of Hawaii for Friday, November 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Red Flag Warning further indicated that winds from the East are expected between 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, and with relative humidity as low as 40 to 45 percent; and WHEREAS, on November 15, 2024, at 3:08 a.m. the National Weather Service, in its Red Flag Warning update specifically identified North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Kau, and Big Island Interior areas 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 County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.