Hawaii Senate Bill SB2222

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Report Pass: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/16/24

Caption

Making An Appropriation To The Department Of Emergency Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu.

Impact

The passage of SB2222 could significantly impact how emergency services are deployed and managed within the State of Hawaii, particularly in areas that previously lacked adequate support systems. It is anticipated that the expansion of the C.O.R.E. program will not only improve public safety and response times but also provide crucial support to individuals in crisis situations. Furthermore, the legislation acknowledges that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for the fiscal year, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of the funding to meet public needs.

Summary

SB2222 is a legislative proposal aimed at making an appropriation to the Emergency Services Department of the City and County of Honolulu. The bill proposes a $3,500,000 allocation from the state general revenues for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This funding is designated as a grant-in-aid specifically for the expansion of the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (C.O.R.E.) program. The primary goal of this funding is to enhance the availability of emergency services outside urban Honolulu, which is a critical response to the needs of the community.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2222 may include discussions on budget constraints and the prioritization of funding within the state government. Legislative members may debate the implications of exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and the potential need for reallocating resources from other areas. Moreover, stakeholders may have differing views on how effectively the C.O.R.E. program can be implemented and its actual impact on communities served outside urban centers.