Urging The Department Of Education To Create A Priority List For Repairing Public School Fire Alarm Systems And Study Acceptable Alternatives.
Impact
The resolution addresses alarming reports from various public schools about malfunctioning fire alarm systems and the consequences of such failures. For instance, King Intermediate School had a non-functional fire alarm for seven years, and Konawaena Elementary faced issues where its fire alarm system was out of service for two years, resulting in danger during a fire incident. SR28 aims to prompt action from the Department of Education to prioritize the repair of these essential safety systems, thus influencing state-level policies regarding public school safety and infrastructure maintenance.
Summary
Senate Resolution 28 (SR28) urges the Department of Education in Hawaii to create a priority list for repairing fire alarm systems in public schools and to study acceptable alternatives for these systems. The resolution highlights the critical importance of functional fire alarm systems for the safety of students and staff, particularly in aging school facilities. As of 2022, the average age of public school buildings in Hawaii is seventy-two years, with a significant portion being over one hundred years old, making the need for reliable fire safety systems more urgent.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SR28 reflects a proactive approach to enhancing safety measures within public schools. Legislators overwhelmingly supported the resolution, as indicated by the unanimous vote during the Senate Education Committee's approval. This reflects an acknowledgment of the pressing need for improved fire safety and a measure of accountability for the Department of Education to take necessary actions regarding school infrastructure.
Contention
While the resolution has garnered support, the important task of developing a priority list and timeline for repairs will require diligence and commitment from the Department of Education. There may be challenges in budget allocations and determining the feasibility of repairs across numerous schools, potentially leading to discussions about resource allocation. However, the emphasis on urgent fire safety repairs is a point of consensus aimed at safeguarding the well-being of students and school personnel.
Urging The Department Of Education To Utilize Obligated Capital Improvement Project Funds And Other Funds For School Facilities And Prioritize Expenditures Based On Greatest Need.
Urging The Department Of Education To Utilize Obligated Capital Improvement Project Funds And Other Funds For School Facilities And Prioritize Expenditures Based On Greatest Need.
Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.
Urging The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish An Aquatic Safety Education Program For Elementary School Students.
Urging The State And Counties To Prioritize And Direct All Available Resources To Supporting Coordinated Interagency Collaboration And Public-private Partnerships Aimed At Addressing The Ongoing Fentanyl Epidemic.
Urging The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish An Aquatic Safety Education Program For Elementary School Students.
Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.