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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
<br />Mayor
<br />William V. Brilhante, Jr.
<br />Managing Director
<br />Merrick Nishimoto
<br />Deputy Managing Director
<br />County of Hawaii - Office of the Mayor
<br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
<br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
<br />Phone (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
<br />EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
<br />RELATING TO JANUARY 2025 LOW-PRESSURE WEATHER SYSTEM
<br />WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides for the establishment of
<br />County organizations for emergency management and disaster relief with the Mayor having
<br />direct responsibility and authority over emergency management within the County; and
<br />WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaii Revised Statutes and Chapter 7, Articles 1 and 2 of
<br />the Hawaii County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the County of Hawaii and
<br />prescribes its powers, duties, and responsibilities, and Section 13-23 of the Hawaii County
<br />Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare emergencies; and
<br />WHEREAS, Chapter 127A-25 authorizes the Mayor to adopt rules to carry out the
<br />provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 127A that carry the full force and effect of law;
<br />and
<br />WHEREAS, on January 30, 2025, at 3:19 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a
<br />Flood Watch for all Hawaiian Islands through Friday afternoon, January 31, 2025, noting a
<br />strong winter low pressure system passing to the north of the state will drag a strong cold front
<br />from northwest to southeast down the island chain beginning January 30, 2025, through Friday
<br />January 31, 2025. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms developing along and ahead of the front
<br />will bring the potential for flash flooding to the state. Flood prone roads and other low-lying
<br />areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive
<br />more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff, and
<br />WHEREAS, on January 30, 2025, at 9:37a.m., the National Weather Service issued a
<br />High Wind Warning for the Island of Hawaii through Friday at noon, January 31, 2025, as south
<br />winds of twenty (20) to thirty-five (35) mph with gusts over sixty (60) mph are expected. The
<br />National Weather Service cautions that damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines
<br />and damage roofs; travel will be difficult and may post a serious risk for drivers due to powerful
<br />cross winds, especially for light weight and high -profile vehicles. Stay away from downed
<br />power lines. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly; and
<br />WHEREAS, due to downed trees and excessive rainfall resulting in flooding, temporary
<br />road closures are required, and additional road closures may become necessary; and
<br />WHEREAS, due to road closures, hazardous road conditions and widespread power
<br />outages, the County has opened evacuation shelters beginning at 2 p.m. today, January 30, 2025,
<br />at the following locations: Waimea Community Center, Na`alehu Community Center, Pahala's
<br />Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium and Shelter's and Multi -Purpose Facility, Rodney T. Yano
<br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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