Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Establish A Search And Rescue Division Within The Department To Supplement And Coordinate With Other Government Agencies, Nonprofit Organizations, And Volunteers To Improve The Timeline Of Rescue Or Recovery And Number Of Missing Individuals Rescued Or Recovered.
The proposed Search and Rescue Division aims to enhance coordination between various government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers who currently assist in search and rescue efforts. This is particularly relevant in the context where past search efforts, typically initiated by county fire and police departments, diminish after 72 hours following a missing person's report. The resolution underscores a significant gap in services for missing persons who may remain unaccounted for beyond this time frame, indicating a need for a dedicated division to handle such cases more effectively.
H.R. No. 152 is a resolution from the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii that requests the establishment of a Search and Rescue Division within the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). This initiative is driven by the need to improve rescue operations for individuals who go missing during outdoor recreational activities in the state's natural landscapes. The resolution highlights the increasing incidents of missing persons, attributed partly to the popularity of outdoor activities such as hiking and ocean recreation, which often involve risks.
While the bill underscores a commitment to public safety and the responsibility of the state to protect both residents and visitors, it also raises discussions regarding resource allocation and operational efficiency. There may be considerations about how this new division will interact with existing volunteer organizations that contribute significantly to search efforts. Critics could argue whether establishing a governmental division is the most efficient solution or if enhancing support for current volunteers and local agencies would yield better results.
The resolution reflects concern over Hawaii's ranking in unresolved missing persons cases, as reported nationally. By acting on this resolution, the state aims to not only address immediate concerns regarding outdoor safety but also to reassess the framework through which missing persons are located and engaged, thus impacting state laws associated with public safety and emergency management.