Hawaii Gov. Signs Hurricane Flossie Emergency Proclamation

Governor Linda Lingle has signed an emergency disaster proclamation a day before Hurricane Flossie is expected to make its closest approach to the State. The proclamation, which includes the entire state, authorizes Hawaii's Adjutant General to "activate such units of the Hawaii National Guard as may be necessary to assist and aid civilian authorities in disaster relief and averting any imminent public danger and threat and to ensure the compliance with the civil laws of the State of Hawaii." 

It also provides for the "expenditure of State monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient protection and relief of the damages, loses and suffering resulting from the threatened disaster."

Governor Lingle said signing the emergency disaster proclamation now will improve the State's ability to respond quickly to any potential damage caused by the storm.  Hurricane Flossie is expected to pass south of South Point tomorrow afternoon bringing high surf, heavy rains and potentially damaging winds to the Big Island.   Depending on the track of the storm, other islands may also experience heavy rains, high surf, and strong winds.

The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation begins  August 13, 2007, and continues until the Governor determines an appropriate time for termination.