HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Proclamation January 2025 Low-Pressure Weather System C.Kimo Alameda,Ph. „m,... William V. rilhante,Jr.
Mayor
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County of Hawaii
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 * Hilo,Haawaaiei 96720 * Phone(80S)961-5211 * Fax(508)961-6553
IGONA: 74-5044 Ane Ketahokalola;I k).,Bldg C * Ka►iluaa-Kona,1-iuwai"i 96740
Phone(508)323-4444 * Fax(848)323-4440
PROCLAMATIONEMERGENCY
RELATINGTO 25 LOW-PRESSURE WEATHER SYSTEM
WHEREAS, Chapter 127A awai'i 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 I and 2 of
the awai'i County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the County of awai'i 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, Chapter 127 -25 authorizes the Mayor to adopt rules to carry out the
provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 17A that carry the full force and effect of law;
and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2025, at 3:19 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a
Flood Watch for all Hawaiian Islands through Friday afternoon, January 31, 2025, noting a
strong winter low pressure system passim to the north of the state will drag a strong cold front
from northwest to southeast down the island chain. beginning January 30, 2025, through Friday
January 31, 2025. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms developing along and ahead of the front
will brim the potential for flash flooding to the state, Flood prone reads and other low-lying
areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive
more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff; and
WHEREAS, on January 0, 2025, at 9m37a.m., the National Weather Service issued a
High Wind Warning for the Island of Hawaii through Friday at noon, January 31, 2025, as south
winds of twenty (2 ) to thirty-five (35) mph with gusts over sixty(60) mph are expected. The
National Weather Service cautions that damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines
and damage roofs; travel will be difficult and may post a serious risk for drivers due to powerful
cross winds, especially for light weight and high-profile vehicles. Stay away from downed
power lines. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly; and
WHEREAS, due to downed trees and excessive rainfall resulting in flooding, temporary
road closures are required, and additional road closures may become necessary; and
WHEREAS, due to road closures, hazardous road conditions and widespread power
outages, the County has opened evacuation shelters beginning at 2 pm. today, January 30, 2025,
at the following locations. Waimea Community Center, ' 1ehu Community Center, P hala's
Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium and helter's and Multi-Purpose Facility, Rodney T. Yano
County of Flawai`a is an Equal opportunity Provider and Employer,
Emergency Proclamation Relating to January 2025 Low-Pressure Weather System
January 30,2025
Page 2 of 2
Memorial all, KekuaokaIam Gym, Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, and Kea'au Armory;
additional evacuation shelters may be opened as conditions require; and
WHEREAS, sudden, severe and extraordinary events of lightning, heavy rains, and
flooding may cause 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 Hawai'i 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 Chapter 127A, Hawaii
Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, Hawaii County Code,
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, C. KIMO ALAMEDA, 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 January 30, 2025, 3-'Q3 p.m., Hawai'i standard time and I
hereby ORDER;
This Emergency Proclamation shall be effective January 30, 2025, and shall terminate in
sixty (60) days unless terminated earlier or extended by a separate proclamation, whichever shall
occur first.
This ORDER is effective at 25-'03p.m., this 30th day of January 2025,
APPROVED AS TO, FORM
........................
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Dakota Freis-Dz m amo meda, Ph.D.
Deputy
eputy Corporation Counse Mayor
County of Hawai'i
Couns 'Y nN lawailis i,,rin IEquad Opimnunhy Nnsderaind ffinpk)yer