DIRECTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR ROCKFALL MITIGATION IN MOANALUA GARDENS AND MOANALUA VALLEY, OAHU.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Kim

SCR 54 directs Hawaii Emergency Management to seek federal funds for rockfall mitigation in Moanalua Gardens and Valley, enhancing safety for residents and visitors.

Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 27

#hiema #hazardmitigation #moanaluagardens #moanaluavalley #rockfallmitigation

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 54
Title: Directing the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to Submit a Grant Request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Rockfall Mitigation in Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley, Oahu.
Status: Referred to WAL, FIN
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject: HIEMA, Hazard Mitigation, Moanalua Gardens, Moanalua Valley, Rockfall Mitigation

Purpose and Intent

SCR 54 aims to enhance public safety in the Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley areas of Oahu by directing the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to seek federal funding for rockfall mitigation efforts. The bill recognizes the potential hazards posed by rockfalls in these regions and seeks to proactively address these risks through federal assistance.

Key Provisions

Grant Request: The resolution mandates HIEMA to submit a formal request for a grant to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specifically for rockfall mitigation projects in the designated areas.

Focus on Safety: The bill emphasizes the importance of reducing risks associated with rockfalls, which can threaten both public safety and property in the affected communities.

Affected Parties

Local Communities: Residents and visitors in Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley will benefit from enhanced safety measures.

HIEMA: The agency will be tasked with the responsibility of preparing and submitting the grant request to FEMA.

Federal Government: FEMA will be involved in the funding process, evaluating the grant request based on its merits and alignment with federal disaster mitigation goals.

Legislative Process and Timeline

Introduced: March 07, 2025

Adoption Timeline:

April 17, 2025: The resolution was adopted by the House with unanimous support, although some members were excused from voting.
April 21, 2025: The Senate initially disagreed with House amendments but later agreed to them on April 23, 2025.
April 24, 2025: Final adoption of the resolution occurred in the Senate.

The resolution has undergone several committee reviews and amendments throughout its legislative journey, reflecting collaborative efforts to refine its provisions.

Conclusion

SCR 54 represents a significant step towards improving safety in Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley by securing federal funding for rockfall mitigation. By directing HIEMA to pursue this grant, the bill aims to protect the community from potential hazards associated with rockfalls, thereby enhancing overall public safety in the region.

Bill