Posted at 5:25 p.m., Monday, August 13, 2007
Emergency proclamation issued for Flossie
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle today signed a proclamation giving emergency disaster powers to the state's adjutant general to deal with the threat of Hurricane Flossie.Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, adjutant general and director of state civil defense, will have the authority to activate Hawai'i National Guard units for assistance and aid to civilian authorities, and to use $2 million in state funds for disaster relief.
The proclamation is in effect from today through whatever period the governor deems necessary.
Lee today met with Big Island Mayor Harry Kim and other state and county officials to coordinate the state's disaster plan.
Barring a sudden change in direction, Hurricane Flossie is expected to graze the state, passing 90 miles from the Big Island's South Point at about 3 p.m. tomorrow, Lee said.
That will be its closest point to the state, Lee added, and noted the hurricane will have winds between 40 mph to 75 mph. It will also generate surf 15-20 feet at South Point and about 10 inches of rain, the general said.
Lee said all schools, roads to South Point, and county, state and federal parks on the Big Island will be closed tomorrow.
Lee told Kim that National Guard units are ready to assist a cavalry squadron of 400 on the Big Island and that 11 40-foot-long containers of emergency supplies are already available if needed.
All National Guard helicopters are also on alert, Lee said.
"This is too close for comfort," Lee said of the hurricane's track.
With no low-pressure areas to the north, Lee has been advised the hurricane is not likely to take a right turn from its current path for a direct strike at the state.
