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, wildfires are high-risk threats to the people of Hawai?i, as shown by the catastrophic wildfire that destroyed the town of Lahaina in August 2023;

WHEREAS, dry brush is widespread throughout the State and provides a fuel source for future wildfires;

WHEREAS, even small wildfires may quickly intensify and expand to threaten entire communities, requiring widespread evacuations and government response;

WHEREAS, on November 14, 2024, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning which will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 for leeward areas in all counties. Red Flag conditions are warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds that are expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger;

WHEREAS, it is critical that the State be prepared to rapidly deploy personnel and resources such as the National Guard to assist the counties whenever new wildfires ignite and threaten life, safety, or property; and

WHEREAS, it is also critical that the Major Disaster Fund be readily available to fund the government response to wildfires in the State;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SYLVIA LUKE, Acting Governor of the State of Hawai?i, hereby determine that there is an imminent danger of an emergency or disaster and declare a state of emergency in all counties in the State of Hawai?i under section 127A14, HRS. To allow maximum flexibility in the use of State resources to respond to wildfires whenever and wherever they ignite in all counties, I authorize and invoke the following emergency provisions, if not already in effect upon this declaration of an emergency:

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