Hawaii Senate Bill SCR107

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

Requesting Each Branch Of The United States Military In The State To Provide Shelters That Can Withstand Hurricanes With Winds Of Over Two Hundred Miles-per-hour For All Of Their Active And Retired Personnel And Families Living In The State.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the critical need for improved emergency preparedness in Hawaii, where existing shelters have proven inadequate against severe hurricanes. Currently, the state lacks any facilities capable of withstanding category three, four, or five hurricanes, leaving many residents, including military families, with no safe refuge during these disasters. By establishing standards for military shelters, the bill aims to alleviate some of the emergency response burdens on the state and enhance community resilience against extreme weather events.

Summary

SCR107 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the branches of the United States military in Hawaii to provide shelters that can withstand hurricanes with winds exceeding two hundred miles per hour for all active and retired military personnel and their families residing in the state. This initiative recognizes the increasing threat posed by climate change, particularly the rising intensity and frequency of hurricanes, and seeks to enhance the safety of military families living in Hawaii's vulnerable wooden homes.

Contention

While a resolution does not hold binding authority, it does serve to highlight the state's reliance on military resources for civilian protection during disasters. Some may contend that this request may place additional logistical and financial demands on military resources, which could be seen as an overstep, especially considering the military's current obligations. Others may argue that enhancing shelter capacity is imperative for safeguarding lives amid increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions, reaffirming the military's role in local emergency responses.