Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Expedite The Placement Of Maui Wildfire Survivors Into The Federal Direct Lease Program.
Impact
The bill seeks to facilitate a quicker and more efficient process for survivors to secure temporary housing by engaging FEMA. By advocating for the acceleration of the Direct Lease Program, the resolution aims to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis faced by displaced residents. This could potentially enhance the overall recovery efforts in Maui and reduce the burden on state and local resources by providing a structured avenue for housing support.
Summary
SCR219 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expedite the placement of survivors from the August 2023 Maui wildfires into the Federal Direct Lease Program. The resolution highlights the significant displacement of residents caused by the wildfires, which destroyed or damaged over 2,200 structures, leaving numerous families without shelter. The urgency of this resolution is compounded by reports that hundreds of survivors remain without long-term housing options even months after the disaster.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SCR219 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators and community leaders who view it as a crucial step in providing vital housing assistance. The resolution underscores the moral and financial responsibility of government entities to care for disaster victims. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the efficiency and responsiveness of FEMA, especially regarding its processes and the timeliness of aid distribution.
Contention
While SCR219 is primarily a plea to expedite housing solutions, there may be contention surrounding the systemic challenges within FEMA and its ability to adapt to urgent disaster recovery needs. Issues such as lengthy credit and background checks that survivors face when entering the Direct Lease Program can hinder timely access to housing. Discussions surrounding these concerns suggest a need for improving FEMA's processes and ensuring that they are adequately equipped to meet the demands of disaster-affected populations.
Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Urging The Department Of Health And Encouraging The County Of Maui, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, And Federal Emergency Management Agency To Take Certain Measures To Ensure The Safest Possible Management Of Ash And Debris From The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Requesting The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Further Assist Maui Wildfire Victims By Amending Its Requirements Under The Direct Lease Program To Require That Properties Qualifying For The Program And Used By Lahaina Residents As Temporary Housing Be Within Twenty Miles Of Lahaina, Rather Than Within Forty Miles.
Urging The Department Of Health And Encouraging The County Of Maui, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, And Federal Emergency Management Agency To Take Certain Measures To Ensure The Safest Possible Management Of Ash And Debris From The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Urging The County Of Maui, In Conjunction With The Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, And Department Of Defense, To Conduct Real-time Wildfire And Other Disaster Drills Involving The Maui Community.
Urging The County Of Maui And The Maui Emergency Management Agency, In Conjunction With The Department Of Transportation And The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, To Develop And Implement An Evacuation Route Signage Program For The County Of Maui.
Urging The Department Of The Attorney General To Investigate And Enforce Applicable Laws Against Landlords Who Are Ending Rental Agreements To House Fema-eligible Households Through The Direct Lease Program Or The Department Of Human Services Rental Assistance Program.
Requesting The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Further Assist Maui Wildfire Victims By Amending Its Requirements Under The Direct Lease Program To Require That Properties Qualifying For The Program And Used By Lahaina Residents As Temporary Housing Be Within Twenty Miles Of Lahaina, Rather Than Within Forty Miles.
Services for sexual assault patients; provision of information for sexual assault patients; Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault; work group; report.