Hawaii House Bill HCR134

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/27/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24
• Passed: 4/22/24

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Submit A Grant Request To The Federal Emergency Management Agency For Rockfall Mitigation In Moanalua Gardens And Moanalua Valley, Oahu.

Impact

If approved, HCR134 could lead to the allocation of federal funds for necessary rockfall mitigation projects aimed at securing the vulnerable hillsides around the Moanalua Valley. The resolution emphasizes the importance of taking preventative steps to remedy geological vulnerabilities, especially considering that the area has been identified as a high-risk zone for rockfalls. By facilitating this request for funding, the bill aims to enhance the resilience of local communities to natural disasters, potentially reducing the burden on state resources during emergencies.

Summary

HCR134 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 2024 legislative session of Hawaii, requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to submit a grant request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for rockfall mitigation projects in the Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley areas of Oahu. The resolution highlights the risks posed by boulders that could lead to dangerous rockfalls and landslides, which threaten local communities. This bill represents a proactive measure to protect the hillside and valley inhabitants from natural disasters and maintain community safety.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR134 appears to be positive, as it aligns with public safety concerns related to natural disasters. Legislative discussions suggest a consensus on the necessity of addressing the risk of landslides and rockfalls, particularly in the high-risk zones identified in the bill. Community members and lawmakers are supportive of the proactive stance taken in the resolution to prevent future disasters, which showcases a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Contention

While there seems to be broad agreement on the need for rockfall mitigation efforts, discussions surrounding the specifics of the funding process could reveal potential points of contention. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the efficiency of grant processes and the timeline for project implementation, while others may question the prioritization of funds for Moanalua Valley compared to other areas requiring hazard mitigation. However, these contents have not surfaced extensively in the available legislative materials, implying that the resolution is primarily focused on the submission of the grant request to FEMA.