Ige Declares State of Emergency Due to Big Island Brushfire

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed an emergency declaration for the County of Hawai‘i to respond to the wildfire still burning in the district of South Kona.

“(The fire) has caused, and is causing, damages, losses and suffering of such character and magnitude to affect the health, welfare and living conditions of a substantial number of persons, and to affect the economy of the state,” according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.

The emergency declaration allows the governor to activate the Major Disaster Fund and spend state funds as appropriated to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors in the County of Hawai‘i. The declaration supports the state’s efforts to provide quick and efficient relief to those affected by the brushfire.

The disaster emergency relief period is effective immediately and continues through Oct. 1, 2021.