Email sent out 9-23-11 from www.Hawaii.gov/gov
Aloha everyone,
This week there was discussion in the media concerning the Governor's use of emergency powers. Governor Abercrombie believes that when the health and safety of the people of Hawaii is at stake, the right thing to do is act as swiftly as possible.
Under the Hawaii Revised Statutes section 127-10 and chapter 128, the Governor has emergency powers to deal with natural and man-made disasters or emergencies; to maintain the strength, resources, and economic life of the community; and to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
Since taking office on December 6, 2010, Governor Abercrombie has used his emergency powers to protect the health and safety of Hawaii's people on four ocassions (sic) to authorize:
- Recovery efforts following the tsunami and flooding, March 2011
- Relocation of the nene goose population at Lihue Airport to mitigate a potentially devastating aircraft accident, April 2011
- The Army Corps of Engineers to enter state lands and remove and dispose of unexploded munitions without delay, June 2011
- Slope stabilization measures to mitigate an immediate threat of collapse of Kuhio Highway on Kauai, September 2011
In each of these cases, the health and safety of people was at significant risk. For example, during the last two weeks the Army Corps has found and detonated 2 unexploded hand grenades and a 57mm Japanese mortar during a sweep for unexploded ordnance at Hapuna Beach on Hawaii Island. Without the emergency proclamation signed by the Governor in June, it is likely that these explosive devices would still be on the beach today.
Here are some helpful links if you would like to learn more about these issues:
A hui hou,
Josh Levinson
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor
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ILind: On declaring emergencies |