RES 628 Draft 01 2016-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J��v os ti;,' COUNTY OF HAWAII ;f .-k' :t STATE OF HAWAII it:+ ao,;;w:-P.� F oF•Np�- RESOLUTION NO. 628 18 A RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO CONVENE IN A SPECIAL SESSION TO ADDRESS EMERGENCY FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR HAWAII COUNTY DUE TO THE IMPACTS OF THE ONGOING DISASTER CAUSED BY VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND LAVA INUNDATION OF HOMES, FARMS, AND BUSINESSES IN LOWER PUNA. • WHEREAS, on May 3, 2018, active fissures began opening and emitting molten lava in the Leilani Estates subdivision located on the eastern rift zone of the Kilauea volcano in the district of Puna; and WHEREAS, as of May 25, 2018, a total of 23 fissures were active, at least 82 structures had been destroyed, main roads had been cut off, dangerous gasses continued to threaten the area, and more than 1,000 people had evacuated their homes, farms, and in some cases their livelihoods; and WHEREAS, the County of Hawai`i is formulating its fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, which includes approximately $5 million in its disaster and emergency fund, and according to estimates made by the Finance Director, after the first week of this disaster,projected losses in real property tax revenues in the impacted area already total over $3 million, which after adjustments and other considerations could actually be as high as $12 million; and WHEREAS, the impact of this disaster has also resulted in economic losses to local businesses and to the local fishing industry, as the Pohoiki boat ramp is inaccessible; and WHEREAS, Hawai`i Island is mobilized with three pet friendly emergency shelters operating in the area, and the dedicated members of the Hawai`i County Civil Defense, Hawai`i National Guard, Hawai`i County Fire, and Police all working overtime keeping citizens safe and protecting vacated residences; and WHEREAS, from May 3, 2018 to May 20, 2018, the County of Hawai`i incurred at least $1,381,121 in unanticipated costs including; overtime, road repairs, security, and provision of shelter and basic necessities for many of the residents that have been displaced; and WHEREAS, without any indication that this eruption event will dramatically decrease in volume or duration, the County of Hawai`i anticipates impacts to the 2018-2019 operating budget to exceed $4 million; and