Hawaii Senate Bill SCR7

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/22
• Refer: 2/17/22
• Report Pass: 4/1/22
• Engrossed: 4/4/22
• Refer: 4/4/22

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Develop A Preliminary Draft Evacuation Plan For The Areas Within Lava Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, And 6.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for proactive emergency management planning, particularly in the context of past eruptions and the escalating potential risk due to the current activity at Kīlauea. It stresses that the HI-EMA must prioritize the development of operational plans for volcanic eruptions, particularly in a state that is prone to such natural disasters. By submitting the draft evacuation plan to the Legislature ahead of the 2023 Regular Session, the resolution aims to formalize a strategy for effective response and protective measures for affected communities.

Summary

SCR7, a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to develop a preliminary draft evacuation plan for areas within lava zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, which include critical communities such as South Kona and Kaū. This resolution was born out of the recognition that Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, poses a significant threat to the region, especially in light of its historical activity and the current eruptive state of Kīlauea. The absence of an evacuation plan for these vulnerable areas has been highlighted as a pressing concern by multiple authorities, including the United States Geological Survey and local emergency management officials.

Contention

While SCR7 has garnered support for addressing an essential public safety issue, the execution of the plan may face obstacles. Potential contention exists around resource allocation and staffing challenges for HI-EMA, as indicated in responses to previous legislative requests. Additionally, the urgency of the evacuation planning may need to be balanced with other immediate emergencies that the agency currently manages. The success of this initiative will depend on collaboration between state and local governments, necessitating effective communication and resource management to ensure all at-risk residents are adequately prepared.