HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-28 Emergency Proclamation re Coronavirus
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, provides for the
establishment of County organizations for emergency management and disaster relief
with the Mayor having direct responsibility and authority over emergency management
within the County.
WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes and Chapter 7, Articles 1
and 2 of the Hawai‘i County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the
County of Hawai‘i and prescribes its powers, duties, and responsibilities, and Section
13-23 of the Hawai‘i County Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare
emergencies; and
WHEREAS, On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to a respiratory disease caused
by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City Hubei Provence, China;
and
WHEREAS, this novel coronavirus, renamed “COVID-19,” has infected tens of
thousands in parts of China, and has spread to other countries, including the United
States; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) is the
leading national public health institute of the United States and under the federal
Department of Health and Human Services; and
WHEREAS the CDC has been working closely with state and local partners, as
well as public health partners to respond to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine, taking every day
preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if
prescribed; and
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
WHEREAS, while there have been no reported cases in the County of Hawaiʻi
and the State of Hawaiʻi, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health recommends getting
the seasonal flu shot; frequent washing of hands, if soap and water is not readily
available then use an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; avoid touching
of eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and practice healthy cough etiquette;
and
WHEREAS, Section 127A-12 Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, as amended, provides
for the authority of the Mayor to sponsor and enter into mutual aid programs; receive,
expend and use contributions or grants and procure federal aid; and
WHEREAS, Section 127A-13(B) of Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, amended, provides
for the authority of the Mayor to relieve hardships and inequities or obstructions to
public health, safety or welfare found by the Mayor to exist in the laws of the county and
suspend the same in part or in whole; and
WHEREAS, while recognizing that the County of Hawaiʻi and the State of Hawaiʻi
have no reported COVID-19 cases, the County of Hawaiʻi will be increasing promotion
of precautionary measures as recommended by the CDC and State of Hawaiʻi
Department of Health by increasing County-wide programs to prevent the spread of
germs and COVID19; and
WHEREAS, due to the possibility of imminent emergency or disaster due to
bodily injury to residents of Hawaiʻi Island, and the need for government agencies and
representatives from the private sector to mobilize and provide financial and other
immediate services to our island residents, a state of emergency is authorized pursuant
to Chapter 127A Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, and Chapter 7, Hawaiʻi County Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY KIM, Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i, do hereby
proclaim and declare that a state of emergency exists due to the imminent danger or
threat of emergency on the Hawai‘i Island, effective Friday, February 28, 2020, and
continuing thereon for 60 days or until further act by this office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of
the County of Hawai‘i to be affixed. Done this 28th day of February, 2020 in Hilo,
Hawai‘i.
HARRY KIM
Mayor
County of Hawai‘i
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.