Governor Neil Abercrombie

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Ana, which is forecast to impact the state this weekend, possibly as a hurricane.

The proclamation, which includes all of the main Hawaiian Islands, allows the state to draw upon funds for protective measures. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels, along with the suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.

“Now is the time for all of us to prepare for Ana,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “The best way the state can prepare is through this proclamation, which allows us to respond quickly to any potential impacts.”

The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation begins today and continues through Oct. 24, 2014.

Recommended preparedness actions may be found on the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency website at scd.hawaii.gov. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $855,000 for various capital improvement projects that invest in Hawaii’s local agriculture and film industries.

“We are moving forward on our sustainability initiatives by decreasing our dependence on imported foods,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “These projects will give many of our local farmers the tools that they need to overcome the challenges that face their industry.”

“Hawaii’s film industry plays an important role in the overall health of the state’s economy,” said Hawaii Film Commissioner Donne Dawson. “These funds will help us determine exactly what the industry needs in terms of infrastructure and where the best possible place in the islands might be to develop that infrastructure. The process will go a long way in helping us take Hawaii’s film and creative media industries to the next level and send a clear message that the state is serious about being one of the preeminent filming destinations in the world.”

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has determined that the individual in isolation at a Honolulu hospital who was reported to the department as a possible Ebola case yesterday does not meet the criteria for testing. The individual is no longer under evaluation for possible Ebola infection.

"The hospital acted in the best interests of the community, with an abundance of caution,” said Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen. “We commend the facility for being prepared and remaining vigilant regarding the risk of Ebola. After investigation by the health department, it was determined that the individual did not meet the clinical or travel exposure criteria for an Ebola infection."

With the nation on heightened alert for possible Ebola cases, physicians are reminded to follow the guidelines established by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information on Ebola infection is available at www.cdc.gov/Ebola.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today issued an executive order that turns over 3.68 miles of the state-owned portion of Chain of Craters Road near Kalapana to Hawaii County.

The executive order states that the land is “hereby turned over to the County of Hawaii, in fee simple, for use as a county highway, and the County of Hawaii shall hereafter be responsible for its repair and maintenance as a county highway.”

On Sept. 15, Gov. Abercrombie signed a supplemental emergency proclamation to include the repair, restorations, rebuilding, or reestablishment of Chain of Craters Road, for use as an alternate emergency route should the June 27th lava flow cross Highway 130 near Pahoa and isolate communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawaii County. That proclamation, a supplement to the original emergency proclamation signed on Sept. 5, also extended the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1, 2014.

The next lava flow community update meeting will be held with representatives from Hawaii County Civil Defense and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Thursday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria.

In addition, the County of Hawaii has established an Incident Command Center and Informational Resource Center at the Pahoa Community Center. Residents are invited to the information center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday next week for answers to their questions.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed a supplemental emergency proclamation to include the repair, restorations, rebuilding, or reestablishment of Chain of Craters Road, for use as an alternate emergency route should the June 27th lava flow cross Highway 130 near Pahoa and isolate communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawaii County.

“Even though the lava flow appears to have slowed to a halt for the time being, the state and Hawaii County are prepared and moving forward together with contingency plans in the event the lava does progress farther,” Gov. Abercrombie said.

Today’s proclamation, supplemental to the emergency proclamation signed on Sept. 5, also extends the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1, 2014.

The original proclamation suspended certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Highway 130. It also activated the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $1.52 million for various capital improvement and operating grants to Hawaii-based nonprofit organizations whose missions benefit island communities.

“Nonprofits play an integral role in addressing the needs of our communities,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “These funds will provide important services and facilities to those in need to create a better Hawaii for all of us.”

Nonprofits receiving funds include Pacific Renal Care Foundation, YWCA of Kauai, Hookupaa, Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, Gregory House Programs, Ku Aloha Ola Mau, Poi Dogs and Popoki, and Hui o Laka.

Governor Abercrombie, Lt. Gen. Kicklighter and MG Wong hold the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag. As the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War begins, the Hawaii Department of Defense Office of Veterans Services has formed a 50th State Commemorative Committee with partners in the military, community and industry to plan major events from 2015 to 2017 to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of these brave men and women. A representation of the Vietnam Service Medal (ribbon) rests below the inner rings.  The red, white, and blue inner rings represent the flag of the United States of America and recognize all Americans, both military and civilian, who served or contributed to the Vietnam War effort. The outer black ring serves as a reminder of those who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The black ring surrounds the red, white, and blue rings to call attention to their sacrifices, the sacrifices of their families, and the defense of our nation’s freedom. Within the blue ring are the words "Service, Valor and Sacrifice"; virtues demonstrated by our veterans during the Vietnam War. The gold-rimmed white star located between the words "Service" and "Valor" represents hope for the families of those veterans for which there has not been a full accounting. The blue-rimmed gold star located between the words "Valor" and "Sacrifice" represents the families of those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The blue star at the bottom of the inner blue ring represents the families of all veterans and symbolizes their support from home

At the bottom of the inner blue ring are six white stars, three on each side of the blue star. These six white stars symbolize the contributions and sacrifices made by the United States and its Allies, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Thailand. 

HONOLULU – As the fall semester kicks off, Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $39 million to the University of Hawaii (UH) System for capital improvement projects (CIP) at various campuses.

“These projects, at campuses from Lihue to Hilo, are long-term investments in our state university system, an anchor of our island community,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “They address needed repairs, maintenance and upgrades to ensure functional academic environments and accessible, affordable higher education opportunities for the people of Hawaii.”

$29,000,000 – Systemwide Health, Safety and Code Requirements, statewide – Construction funds for health and safety projects at UH Manoa and UH Hilo. Projects at UH Manoa include accessibility improvements, sewer and storm drain upgrades, health and safety improvements at Lyon Arboretum, and walkway upgrades. Projects at UH Hilo include a lead roof replacement of Hale Kehau, a Kawili Street pedestrian overpass, an emergency shelter, traffic safety improvements at Panaewa Farms, sidewalk/crosswalk upgrades at Kapiolani and Lanikaula Streets, and emergency generators.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration asking for federal assistance to help pay for damage caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, which impacted Hawaii from Aug. 7 to 9, 2014.

The request seeks Individual Assistance for Hawaii County. Individual Assistance would make additional funding, loans and services available to affected residents.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $15.5 million for various capital improvement projects for Department of Transportation (DOT) highways and facilities.

“These funds will allow priority repair and maintenance projects to move forward, improve safety along our state highways, and in the process give a boost to our economy through job growth in construction,” Gov. Abercrombie said.