2024-12-12 Emergency Proclamation and Emergency Rule No. 1 Relating to December 2024 Red Flag Warning

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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii- Office of the ."vlayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Phone (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND EMERGENCY RULE NO. 1 RELATING TO DECEMBER 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 December 11, 2024, at 1:31 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for all Leeward areas for the State of Hawaii through Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 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 50 mph, and with relative humidity as low as 45 percent; and WHEREAS, the Red Flag Warning specifically identified south and southeast areas being affected, such as North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Kau, and Interior areas of Hawaii Island. These areas are covered by this Red Flag Warning, which states "the combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity, and strong trade winds will bring critical fire weather conditions for leeward sections of the state this afternoon and again Thursday afternoon." "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 Hawai' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.