2020-03-11 Mayor Kim Issues Proclamation Emergency Proclamation to Prohibit Price Gouging -- press release

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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 March 11, 2020 NEWS RELEASE Mayor Kim Issues Supplemental Emergency Proclamation regarding Price Gouging Mayor Harry Kim issued a Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Wednesday which prohibits increases in the selling price of any commodity in the area covered by Hawai‘i County’s Emergency Proclamation regarding Coronavirus. The original Emergency Proclamation, issued on February 28, was aimed at heightening awareness of the virus, as well as allow for greater mobilization of County resources, positions the County for reimbursement should State or Federal monies become available, allow for coordination with Federal, State and NGO (non- governmental organization) partners and allow for reassignment of County personnel if necessary. The Supplementary Proclamation just issued invokes Hawai‘i Revised Statute Section 127A-30. The statute prohibits any increase in the selling price, whether at the retail or wholesale level, of the following commodities:  Food, water, or ice;  Medical supplies, medical protective measures, medications, vitamins, or any other commodity intended to help the population stay well, recover from any illness, or protect them from any illness;  Personal hygiene, paper and disposable cleaning products including but not limited to cleaning supplies of any kind or any other commodity intended to help sanitize or clean individuals items, or areas; and  Any other commodity that the seller or contractor knows or should know are intended for use by any member of the public or entity of any type to prepare for, respond to, or use due to circumstances giving rise to the emergency related to COVID-19. The Supplemental Proclamation will continue for 60 days, to May 10, 2020, or until further action by the Mayor’s Office. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.