Relating To Public Records.
The enactment of HB 797 would have a significant impact on the powers of the governor during emergencies. By ensuring that provisions of the Uniform Information Practices Act cannot be suspended, it could limit the governor's flexibility in handling information management during crises. This could promote a greater level of public trust and accountability, as government actions would remain transparent, but may also create challenges in a rapid-response situation where information may need to be controlled more strictly.
House Bill 797 addresses the regulation of public records in the State of Hawaii. It seeks to amend Chapter 92F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by explicitly prohibiting the governor from suspending any provisions related to public records during a declared emergency. The intent of this legislation is to maintain transparency and public access to information, even in times of crisis, ensuring that citizen oversight remains intact regardless of emergency circumstances.
The bill might face contention related to the balance between public interest and the need for agile decision-making during emergencies. Supporters argue that maintaining access to public records ensures that the government cannot operate in secrecy, potentially preventing abuses of power. However, opponents may argue that there are situations during an emergency where limiting access to certain information might be necessary to protect public safety or facilitate effective emergency management.