Home Page | Site Map | Annual Report Main Page | Annual Report Fiscal Year 2000-2001
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
The mission of the Civil Defense Agency is to achieve effective governmental and private sector preparedness and to provide prompt, fully-coordinated, flexible response and assistance when natural, human-caused disaster or acts of war threaten or occur anywhere in the County of Hawai’i.
The Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency has the responsibility of administering and operating the various local, state and federal civil defense programs for the County. This includes planning, preparing, and coordinating civil defense operations in meeting disaster situations. It coordinates post-disaster recovery operations including state and/or federal assistance.
STAFF
The Civil Defense Agency has six permanent employees.
BUDGET
The operating budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 was $429,002.
HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITIES
The November floods were by far the major event during the past year. The floods were so devastating that on the morning of November 3, 2000 Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro declared a state of emergency for the Island of Hawai’i.
During the afternoon of November 3, Governor Cayetano declared a state of emergency on the Big Island. On November 9, President Bill Clinton declared the Island of Hawai’i a major disaster area. This paved the way for federal relief and recovery assistance to the affected areas. Disaster assistance to date has totaled over $88 million.
The Civil Defense Agency played a major role in coordinating the County’s efforts during the onslaught of the floods. It directed and coordinated warning and evacuation of affected areas and other disaster response operations to protect life and property, and to maintain and restore essential services and facilities.
It also coordinated requests from individuals and agencies for operational assistance involving the Police, Fire-Rescue, debris clearance, emergency repairs, health and medical services, shelters and recovery operations.
Needless to say, we were all very fortunate that there was no loss of life. We are in the final stages of closure to this event.
Tests and Exercises
The Civil Defense Agency participates in various exercises conducted on a statewide or island-wide basis. These range from the monthly siren tests to exercises that are focused on schools, hospitals, and other agencies.
Public Information
During the year, educational sessions were conducted to familiarize the public with civil defense procedures. Meetings were conducted with community associations, business establishments, and other organizations to better understand and improve roles during emergency situations. These included warning systems and actions required by citizens.
Training
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency is required to coordinate and provide training in the areas of hazardous materials, radiological defense, and civil defense emergency response procedures. Training is provided to county agencies, state agencies, and private organizations.
Brushfire 4
Earthquake 9
Flooding 19
Hazardous Material 4
High Surf 43
High Wind 5
Tropical Cyclones 4
Drought Declaration Ongoing
Volcanic Eruption Ongoing
This page was modified on May 14, 2002
©Copyright 2002 County of Hawaii, Hawaii
Home Page | Site Map | Annual Report Main Page | Annual Report Fiscal Year 2000-2001