Earthquake Informational Meeting Set for May 28

Earthquake Informational Meeting Set for May 28

The County of Hawaiʻi will host an informational community meeting following last week’s Kona earthquake from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Sgt. Rodney J.T. Yano Memorial Hall, 82-6156 Mamalahoa Highway, in Captain Cook.

The meeting is an opportunity for residents to hear updates from County officials as well as connect with nonprofit organizations that are responding to community needs following the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that occurred Friday evening near Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo.

“Following last week’s earthquake, our priority remains supporting our community and making sure residents can get back on their feet,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We encourage residents to join our team to share their needs and get connected to our nonprofit partners.”

The County will be represented by Civil Defense, South Kona CERT Team, Department of Public Works, Department of Water Supply, and Department of Parks and Recreation. Nonprofit partners will be represented by Vibrant Hawaiʻi and the American Red Cross.

Mayor Alameda signed an emergency proclamation on Wednesday covering the districts of North Kona, South Kona and Kaʻū. The proclamation allows the County to streamline its response and coordinate resources following the damaging temblor.

Civil Defense continues to urge residents and businesses to report damage to their properties from the earthquake by visiting bit.ly/CDDisasterRecovery or by calling Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

Damage reports will assist the County with seeking state or federal disaster assistance as well as identify priorities and focus resources if assistance becomes available.
As of Wednesday, Civil Defense had received more than 200 damage reports. Of those, eight homes are considered destroyed and another 85 properties are listed as sustaining major damage.

Residents in need immediate assistance – such as food, clothing, debris removal, or shelter – are asked to complete a Request for Assistance through Vibrant Hawaiʻi at bit.ly/vh-rfa or by calling Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

Stay Informed

Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at their website at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.

###