RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

SB 3072 strengthens Hawaiʻi's emergency management for wildfires, enhancing response protocols and funding to protect public safety and minimize disaster damage.

Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2292) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

#emergencymanagement #hawaiʻiwildfiresresponse #majordisasterfund

Overview

Bill Number: SB 3072
Introduced: January 24, 2024
Status: Reported from the Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) Committee with recommendations for passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1), and referred to the Ways and Means (WAM) Committee.
Subject: Emergency Management, Hawaiʻi Wildfires Response, Major Disaster Fund

SB 3072 aims to enhance the state's emergency management capabilities, particularly in response to wildfires and other major disasters in Hawaiʻi.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 3072 is to improve the state's preparedness and response mechanisms for emergencies, specifically focusing on wildfire incidents. The bill seeks to ensure that the state can effectively manage resources and funding during major disasters, thereby safeguarding public safety and minimizing damage.

Key Provisions

Emergency Management Enhancements: The bill proposes amendments to existing emergency management protocols to streamline response efforts during wildfires and other disasters.

Major Disaster Fund Adjustments: SB 3072 includes provisions for the allocation and management of the Major Disaster Fund, which is crucial for financing emergency response efforts.

Coordination with Local Agencies: The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between state and local agencies to ensure a unified response to emergencies.

Impact

Affected Parties: The bill will impact state and local emergency management agencies, first responders, and communities at risk of wildfires and other disasters.

Public Safety: By improving emergency management practices, the bill aims to enhance public safety and reduce the potential for loss of life and property during disasters.

Legislative Timeline

January 24, 2024: SB 3072 was introduced and passed its First Reading.

January 26, 2024: The bill was referred to the PSM and WAM committees.

February 5, 2024: A public hearing was scheduled for February 9, 2024.

February 9, 2024: The PSM committee recommended that the measure be passed with amendments, resulting in a vote of 5 Ayes and no opposition.

February 13, 2024: The report was adopted, and the bill passed its Second Reading, as amended (SD 1), before being referred to the WAM committee.

Related Legislation

HB 2383: This bill serves as a companion to SB 3072, indicating a parallel legislative effort to address similar issues in emergency management.

In summary, SB 3072 represents a proactive approach to enhancing Hawaiʻi's emergency management framework, particularly in the context of wildfire response, ensuring that the state is better equipped to handle future disasters.

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