Hawaii House Bill HB354

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Relating To Emergency Management.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would lead to the appropriation of state funds for various initiatives linked to emergency preparedness. This includes establishing income tax credits for disaster management and providing grants specifically targeted at low-income homeowners who earn 80% or less of the area median income. Additionally, the bill aims to facilitate the development of new emergency shelters, thereby boosting the state's resilience in the face of future disasters. Such measures are expected to considerably improve the safety and security of Hawaii's residents during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 354 relates to emergency management in Hawaii, aiming to enhance the state's readiness for disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis. The bill acknowledges the current deficiencies in tax incentives for home fortification and the lack of financial support for low-income citizens to strengthen their homes. It emphasizes the necessity for a holistic approach towards funding and staffing to improve the state’s preparedness against natural disasters, which is currently dominated by post-disaster recovery efforts rather than proactive measures.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at significantly improving disaster preparedness, there may be contention regarding the allocation of state resources. Stakeholders may debate the efficiency and sufficiency of the proposed funds and whether they sufficiently address the needs of the community, particularly the most vulnerable populations. There may also be discussions about the government's role in strengthening local infrastructure versus individual and community responsibility in disaster preparedness.