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Bill

SR 79

Beasley, Judge Dorothy Toth; condolences

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Anderson and 26 co-sponsors

SR 79 urges Maui to create clear evacuation route signage, enhancing safety for residents and visitors during emergencies by improving navigation and preparedness.

Senate Read and Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 79

Summary of SR 79 - Evacuation Route Signage Program for Maui

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SR 79
Title: Urging the County of Maui and the Maui Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to develop and implement an evacuation route signage program for the County of Maui.
Status: Deferred by the committee on PSM
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: DOT, Emergency Response, Evacuation Signage Program, HIEMA, Maui County

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of SR 79 is to enhance public safety in the County of Maui by establishing a comprehensive evacuation route signage program. This initiative seeks to ensure that residents and visitors can quickly and effectively navigate evacuation routes during emergencies, such as natural disasters or other crises.

Key Provisions

  • Collaboration: The resolution calls for a coordinated effort between multiple agencies, including:

    • The County of Maui
    • The Maui Emergency Management Agency
    • The Department of Transportation (DOT)
    • The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA)
  • Program Development: The agencies are urged to develop a clear and effective signage program that will:

    • Identify and mark evacuation routes
    • Provide clear directions to safe locations
    • Ensure that signage is visible and accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities

Impact

  • Target Audience: The resolution primarily affects residents and visitors in Maui County, particularly during emergency situations when evacuation may be necessary.
  • Public Safety Enhancement: By implementing this program, the resolution aims to improve the overall safety and preparedness of the community, potentially reducing confusion and increasing the efficiency of evacuations.

Legislative Actions

  • March 07, 2025: Offered in the Senate.
  • March 11, 2025: Referred to the committees on Economic Development, Government Operations, and Public Safety (EIG/PSM).
  • March 25, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for March 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM in Conference Room 225 and via videoconference.
  • March 28, 2025: The measure was deferred by both the EIG and PSM committees.

Related Bills

  • SCR 96: This bill serves as a companion to SR 79, indicating a broader legislative interest in improving emergency management and evacuation procedures in Maui.

Conclusion

SR 79 represents a proactive step towards enhancing emergency preparedness in Maui County through the establishment of a structured evacuation route signage program. While currently deferred, the resolution highlights the importance of collaboration among various agencies to safeguard the community during emergencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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