Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.
The resolution directs the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to spearhead the initiative, highlighting the need for a centralized office dedicated to resilience planning. The working group would comprise various state officials and representatives from key organizations, tasked with determining the most effective administrative structure for the Office of Resilience and Recovery. Their findings, due by November 30, 2025, could lead to a reorganization of disaster response mechanisms within the state, fostering a more unified response strategy across agencies and improving community resilience to future disasters.
Senate Resolution 33, presented during the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, calls for the establishment of a working group to evaluate the setup and administrative placement of an Office of Resilience and Recovery. This resolution arose from the devastating Maui wildfires, which resulted in significant loss of life and substantial property damage, prompting the need for improved disaster response protocols. The goal of the proposed office is to enhance the coordination and leadership in Hawaii's disaster preparedness and resilience efforts in light of recent climate-related events.
While the establishment of the Office of Resilience and Recovery aims to enhance disaster preparedness, many discussions surrounding the resolution emphasize potential challenges, such as the allocation of resources and the integration of existing emergency management structures. Stakeholders may express differing views on the necessary authority and funding for the office, as well as concerns regarding the efficacy of a centralized approach versus decentralized local management. Ultimately, the working group's recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of disaster management in Hawaii.