HomeMy WebLinkAboutMayor's Severe Weather Emergency Proclamation 02/16/2023 (2) JNtV OF h4
+, Lee E.Lord
Managing Director
Mitchell D.Roth
Mayor _ Robert H.Command
+r'�. NrM4• ♦ Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 . Hilo, Hawaii 96720 . (808)961-8211 Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C . Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 . Fax(808)323-4440
MAYOR'S SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaii 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; 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, on February 16, 2023, at 3:20 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued
a Flood Watch for the entire State of Hawaii due to a kona low expected to bring a plume of
deep tropical moisture to the islands throughout the next few days. Widespread heavy rainfall
and thunderstorms are possible with the heavy rainfall beginning today over the Island of
Hawaii, which could result in flash flooding particularly in areas which are already saturated
from recent rainfall; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2023, at 3:22 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a
Winter Storm Warning for the Island of Hawaii summits with temperatures near or below
freezing with periods of heavy snow and wind gusts as high as sixty (60) mph; and
WHEREAS, due to excessive rainfall resulting in flooding, temporary road closures were
required and additional road closures may become necessary; and
WHEREAS, sudden, severe and extraordinary events of lightning, heavy rains, and
flooding are causing damage, loss, and suffering of such character and magnitude to affect the
health, welfare and safety of the public and is of such a nature as to require assistance from the
County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, and the Federal government; and
WHEREAS, due to the possibility of imminent disaster due to property damage and/or
bodily injury to residents of Hawaii Island, and the need for government agencies and
representatives from the private sector to mobilize and provide immediate services to our island
residents, a Civil Defense state of emergency is authorized pursuant to Chapters 127A, Hawaii
Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, Hawai`i County Code.
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Mayor's Severe Weather Emergency Proclamation
Page 2 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MITCHELL D. ROTH, Mayor of the County of Hawaii, do
hereby proclaim and declare that a state of emergency exists due to the threat of imminent
disaster on Hawaii Island, effective February 16, 2023 a.m., Hawaii standard time.
This Emergency Proclamation shall be effective on February 16, 2023, and shall
terminate in sixty (60) days unless terminated earlier or extended by a separate proclamation,
whichever shall occur first.
This Emergency Proclamation is effective at a.m., this 16'h day of February 2023.
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
County of Hawai i