Ige Supports County’s Effort, Not Ready to Call State-Level Emergency

Governor David Ige. State of Hawai’i Governor’s Office photo.

Governor David Ige said Monday afternoon that a State Emergency Proclamation remains in the distance.

The statement followed Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi’s declaration of a county-wide State of Emergency as the Big Island continues to face a dengue fever outbreak.

Governor Ige noted in his statement that, “the state supports the county’s effort to break the cycle of dengue fever infection and transmission on Hawai’i Island.”

In the statement, Ige notes that the largest priority is the health and safety of Hawai’i residents and visitors.

In addition, Governor Ige said the State is working on the release of a five percent budget restriction, totaling $250,000, from the Hawai’i Department of Health, which would fund eight vector control positions, one entomologist, and one communications position.

Another five percent was previously released, also totaling $250,000, to fund costs that were incurred during the response to the onset of the outbreak.

The follow criteria was released as determining factors for the state to issue an emergency proclamation:

• The dengue outbreak requires additional resources beyond current levels
• The dengue outbreak has spread to other islands
• The outbreak has expanded to include zika and other vector borne diseases
• It is necessary to waive certain laws and regulations
• The state determines it will need federal assistance