Hawaii Senate Bill SB2748

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Relating To Emergency Management.

Impact

The introduction of a hazard tracking system represents a proactive stance towards disaster preparedness and response, aiming to enhance communication and access to vital information for the public. By leveraging technology, the bill seeks to ensure that the state's response to emergencies is more effective, enabling residents to receive real-time updates on potential threats. The requirement for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to consult with various stakeholders, including local emergency management leaders and the University of Hawaii, emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in emergency preparedness.

Summary

Senate Bill 2748 introduces significant changes to the way emergency management is coordinated and communicated in Hawaii. The bill mandates the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide internet and mobile tracking system for various hazards such as wildfires, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, terrorist threats, and hazardous materials. This system aims to improve public safety by providing timely notifications, warnings, maps, and relevant resources to residents throughout the state.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as beneficial for improving emergency management, it may face challenges related to funding and implementation logistics. There could also be concerns regarding data privacy and the efficacy of communication methods used in the proposed system. Balancing comprehensive hazard tracking with the need for secure and reliable information dissemination will be crucial in the legislative discussions surrounding SB2748.