Maui Spent $113,895 in Response to February Tsunami Threat

The County of Maui spent an estimated $113,895 in costs related to the tsunami warning issued on February 27, 2010.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said,”When we’re faced with the imminent threat of a natural disaster, we take immediate steps to protect the public’s safety.”

“In situations like these, one life lost is one life too many and despite the costs we incurred, I’m grateful that we escaped unharmed,” said Tavares.

The costs were primarily being attributed to overtime expenses for personnel. Departments included in the report were: Police, Parks, Environmental Management, Fire, Public Works, Civil Defense, Planning, and Housing and Human Concerns.

In a press release issued today, County of Maui Communications Director Mahina Martin said that due to departments experiencing budget deficits in the current fiscal year, Mayor Tavares may propose to the County Council that a reimbursement from the County’s emergency fund be provided to the operating budgets of the departments that were involved in the response efforts. The emergency fund, created by the Council, consists of County funds set aside to help provide for emergency situations.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)