Gov. Ige signs emergency proclamation ahead of impacts from Olivia

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An emergency proclamation was signed by Gov. David Ige Sunday in preparation of potential impacts from Hurricane Olivia, which is expected to approach the state as a tropical storm this week.

The proclamation declares all counties in Hawaii disaster zones in advance of the storm. By doing so, state funds are freed up allowing emergency response to happen quickly, and resources to flow to the needed areas.

"Hurricane Olivia is a powerful storm right now. The forecast is for it to weaken as it approaches the island, but we want to remind everyone to be prepared," Ige said.

"We do anticipate that we will see — regardless of whether its a hurricane or downgraded — storm surf on the north and east facing shores. We do expect rain and possible flooding as the hurricane approaches the islands," he added.

County and state officials are closely monitoring the storm and its track.

Read the full proclamation below:

This story will be updated.