Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB3068

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  
Report Pass
2/16/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Report Pass
2/16/24  
Report Pass
3/1/24  
Refer
2/16/24  
Engrossed
3/5/24  
Report Pass
3/1/24  
Engrossed
3/5/24  
Refer
3/7/24  
Refer
3/7/24  
Report Pass
4/5/24  
Report Pass
4/5/24  
Report Pass
4/26/24  
Report Pass
4/26/24  
Report Pass
4/26/24  
Enrolled
5/3/24  
Enrolled
5/3/24  
Vetoed
7/9/24  
Vetoed
7/9/24  

Caption

Making Appropriations For Wildfire Recovery.

Impact

The financial appropriations in this bill will directly affect state laws regarding disaster funding and management, enabling agencies to respond more effectively to natural disasters. Specifically, it includes provisions for insurance claims related to the wildfires and adjusts various appropriations to exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This adjustment is justified based on the crucial public interest of addressing the repercussions of the wildfires, which cut across multiple sectors, including housing, infrastructure, and public safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 3068 addresses the urgent need for funding in response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, which began on August 8, 2023. The bill appropriates significant state and federal funds to support recovery efforts, including the establishment of positions and resources for emergency management and infrastructure repair. It is considered essential for addressing immediate recovery needs following a disaster that caused widespread destruction and loss of life, particularly in Lahaina, and reflects a broader commitment to wildfire mitigation and emergency readiness across the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB3068 has been largely supportive, as legislators and community members recognize the importance of swift action in response to the trauma experienced by residents. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the management of resource allocation, particularly in ensuring that the appropriated funds are expended efficiently and transparently. While the urgency of the situation has catalyzed a united front, discussions also touch on future preparedness and sustainability as key points for ongoing debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the extent to which state funds will be allocated versus federal funding, as well as the processes for overseeing the expenditure of these funds. Legislators are cautious about the implications of exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling, and there are ongoing discussions about ensuring that the funding is not only reactive but also proactive in establishing improved infrastructure to mitigate the risks of future wildfires. The bill underscores the need for clear accounting and reporting mechanisms to safeguard against misuse and to track the effectiveness of recovery measures over time.

Companion Bills

HI HB2379

Same As Making Appropriations For Wildfire Recovery.

Previously Filed As

HI HB2379

Making Appropriations For Wildfire Recovery.

HI HB2696

Relating To Lahaina Wildfire Recovery.

HI HB2610

Relating To Disaster Relief.

HI SB2979

Relating To Lahaina Wildfire Recovery.

HI SB1320

Relating To Settlement Of Claims Related To The Maui Wildfires.

HI HB1001

Relating To Settlement Of Claims Related To The Maui Wildfires.

HI HB1055

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Public Utilities Commission.

HI SB1374

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Public Utilities Commission.

HI SB582

Relating To State Budget.

HI HB679

Relating To State Funds.

Similar Bills

HI SB582

Relating To State Budget.

HI HB2610

Relating To Disaster Relief.

HI HB1296

Relating To The Major Disaster Fund.

HI HB679

Relating To State Funds.

MS SB2822

"Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022"; establish.

ME LD2214

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

MS HB1425

ARPA Wastewater and Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Programs; establish under DEQ and Department of Health.

MS SB2724

"MS Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (MAICU) Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022"; establish.