By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Hawai'i, to provide relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people, I, Sylvia Luke, Acting Governor of the State of Hawai'i, hereby determine, designate and proclaim as follows:

WHEREAS, on July 11, 2024, a helicopter crashed into the ocean near Hanakoa Valley on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, killing one person. Two other passengers are missing;

WHEREAS, significant search and rescue and other government resources are required to respond to the crash;

WHEREAS, State resources such as National Guard aviation assets are needed as part of the response to the crash and to maintain public health and safety in the County of Kauai;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SYLVIA LUKE, Acting Governor of the State of Hawai'i, hereby determine that an emergency or disaster contemplated by section 127A-14, HRS, is occurring in the County of Kaua?i and surrounding State waters, and authorize and invoke the following emergency provisions, if not already in effect upon this declaration of an emergency:

I. Invocation of Laws

Section 121-30, HRS, and I hereby authorize the Adjutant General to activate such units of the Hawai'i National Guard as may be necessary to assist and aid civilian authorities in disaster relief and in averting any imminent public danger and threat and to ensure the compliance with the civil laws of the State of Hawai'i.

Sections 127A-12 and 127A-13, HRS, for county and State agencies to provide emergency relief and engage in emergency management functions as defined in section 127A-2, HRS, as a result of and in response to this event.

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