Hawaii Senate Bill SR28

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

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.