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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-31 Emergency Proclamation Relating to January 2025 Low-Pressure Weather Systeme Mitchell D. Roth Mayor Elizabeth A. Strance Corporation Counsel J S. Yoshimoto Assistant Corporation Counsel COUNTY OF HAWAII OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 * Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 * Phone (808) 961-8251 - Fax (808) 961-8622 TRANSMITTAL January 30, 2025 TO: Jon Henricks, County Clerk Office of the County Clerk FROM: Cody Frenz, Deputy Corporation Counsel Office of the Corporation Counsel RE: Emergency Proclamation Relating to January 2025 Low -Pressure Weather System — COPIES/ITEMS I DATE_ - DESCRIPTION Original 1/30/2025 Emergency Proclamation Relating to January 2025 Low -Pressure Weather System TRANSMITTED FOR: ❑Your information and filing ❑ Your signature and return ❑ Your signature and forwarding as noted below ❑ Your approval ❑ Your review and comments ❑ See remarks below ❑ Filing and return (envelope enclosed) ❑ Per your request REMARKS: Enclosed is the original Emergency Proclamation for your filing as the Custodian of Records. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you. Enclosure Received by: Qv (Print Name) JAN 3 1 2025 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii - Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Phone (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION RELATING TO JANUARY 2025 LOW-PRESSURE WEATHER SYSTEM 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, Chapter 127A-25 authorizes the Mayor to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 127A 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 passing 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 bring the potential for flash flooding to the state. Flood prone roads 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 30, 2025, at 9:37a.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 (20) 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 p.m. today, January 30, 2025, at the following locations: Waimea Community Center, Na`alehu Community Center, Pahala's Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium and Shelter's and Multi -Purpose Facility, Rodney T. Yano County of Hawaii 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 Hall, Kekuaokalani 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 govermment; 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 Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, and Chapter 7, Hawai`i County Code. NOW, THEREFORE, I, 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, v' 'Q3 p.m., Hawaii 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 ?) !Op.m., this 30th day of January 2025 APPROVED AS TO FORM AN G Dakota Frenz . mo meda, Ph.D. Deputy Corporation Couns Mayor County of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.