Relating To Homeland Security.
If enacted, HB 1035 will classify critical infrastructure information as confidential. This confidentiality ensures that sensitive information cannot be disclosed to the public, thus protecting against potential threats or attacks that could compromise security. The bill allows the Office of Homeland Security to share this confidential data with federal, state, and county agencies, provided that such information remains protected from public accessibility. By reinforcing the confidentiality of critical infrastructure data, the bill seeks to bolster the state's overall security posture.
House Bill 1035 aims to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure information within the State of Hawaii. This legislation is a direct response to the state's legislative responsibilities regarding the safeguarding of critical infrastructure as mandated under chapter 128A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The bill establishes explicit protections for information received or maintained by the Office of Homeland Security, which is crucial for various security-related functions, including analysis, warning systems, and recovery frameworks.
There may be discussions surrounding the balance between maintaining public transparency and protecting national security and safety interests. Critics of similar bills often express concerns regarding the extent of the exemption from public disclosure, suggesting that such measures could impede accountability and government transparency. However, proponents argue that the risks associated with potential breaches of critical infrastructure information necessitate stronger safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive data.