honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lingle issues emergency proclamation


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle signed a proclamation this morning declaring a disaster emergency relief period commencing today and continuing through Monday.

Advertiser Photo by Gregory Yamamoto

spacer spacer

Governor Linda Lingle issued an emergency proclamation this morning.

While she said she’s spoken with officials in each of the counties she’s convinced that all counties are prepared, and that areas like Kalaupapa and Niihau have been taken into consideration in emergency planning.
One of the biggest issues, she said, is concern that flooding could create long-term damage to pump stations in Honolulu and Maui.
Shortly before 10 a.m., pump stations on both islands were shut down, according to state Civil Defense spokesperson Shelly Ichishita.
Shutting down the stations under the emergency order could cause sewage to back up into the water and streets. If the stations have to be shut down it would take weeks to repair, Lingle said.
“It is my feeling that each county is well prepared for the inundation that may occur,” Lingle said. She also urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and asked people to remain off the road. She said she had spoken with the Department of Homeland Security, and City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell.
Depending on the extent of damage, Lingle said she plans to go by plane with the Big Island mayor to assess damage.