(BIVN) – The mayor of Hawai‘i County, as well as the governor of the State of Hawai‘i, have signed emergency proclamations due to the new volcanic eruption that began in Leilani Estates subdivision.

The county proclamation was signed by Acting Mayor Wil Okabe. Here is the text of the statement, also found here.

EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawai‘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.

WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawai’i 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 Hawai‘i County Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare emergencies; and

WHEREAS, being that the Mayor is temporarily absent or disabled pursuant to Section 5-1.5 Hawai‘i County Code the Managing Director shall act as Mayor; and

WHEREAS, at approximately 4:54 AM on May 1, 2018. United State Geological Survey(USGS) Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) issued a report that a migration of seismicity and deformation downrift (east) of Pu’u O 0 indicates that a large area along the East Rift Zone is potentially at risk of new outbreak possibly in the Lower Puna area. The location of any future outbreak will determine what areas are in the path of new lava flows; 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 state of emergency is authorized pursuant to Chapter 127A Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, and Chapter 7, Hawaii County Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Wil Okabe as Acting Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i, do hereby proclaim and declare that a state of emergency exists due threat of imminent disaster on the Hawaii Island, effective 4 p.m., May 3rd, and continuing thereon for 60 days or until further act by this office.

Governor David Ige followed with the signing of an emergency proclamation Thursday evening.

A media release from Ige’s office stated:

The danger is of such magnitude that it warrants preemptive and protective action in order to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the residents of Leilani Estates and surrounding areas. This proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for quick and efficient relief caused by the volcanic eruption.

“I am in contact with Mayor Harry Kim and Hawai‘i County, and the state is actively supporting the county’s emergency response efforts. I have also activated the Hawai‘i National Guard to support county emergency response teams with evacuations and security,” said Gov. Ige.