RELATING TO CIVIL AIR PATROL.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Glenn Wakai

SB 3198 allocates state funds to enhance the Civil Air Patrol's operations in Hawaiʻi, boosting emergency response capabilities and collaboration with local agencies.

Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2293) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

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Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 3198 (SB 3198) aims to enhance the operational capacity and funding of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Hawaiʻi. The bill seeks to provide necessary appropriations to support the CAP's role as a civilian auxiliary aviation service under the Department of Defense, particularly in emergency management and disaster response scenarios.

Key Provisions

Appropriation of Funds: The bill includes provisions for the allocation of state funds to the Civil Air Patrol, ensuring that the organization has the financial resources needed to operate effectively.

Expenditure Ceiling: SB 3198 establishes an expenditure ceiling for the appropriated funds, which will help in managing the budget and ensuring accountability in the use of state resources.

Support for Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: The bill emphasizes the CAP's collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, enhancing the state's preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies.

Affected Parties

Civil Air Patrol: The primary beneficiary of this bill is the Civil Air Patrol, which will receive funding to improve its services and operational readiness.

Department of Defense: As the overseeing body for the CAP, the Department of Defense will play a crucial role in implementing the provisions of the bill.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: This agency will work closely with the CAP to utilize the enhanced resources for better emergency management and disaster response.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 24, 2024

First Reading: January 24, 2024

Referred to Committees: Initially referred to the Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees.

Public Hearing: Scheduled for February 9, 2024, at 3:01 PM in Conference Room 225 and via videoconference.

Committee Recommendations: On February 9, 2024, the PSM committee recommended the bill be passed with amendments (SD 1).

Second Reading: The bill passed its Second Reading on February 13, 2024, and was referred to the WAM committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

HB 2241: This bill has a companion measure in the House, which may address similar issues or provide additional context to the funding and support for the Civil Air Patrol.

In summary, SB 3198 is a legislative effort to bolster the Civil Air Patrol's capabilities in Hawaiʻi through financial support and structured collaboration with emergency management agencies, ultimately enhancing the state's readiness for emergencies.

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