If enacted, HB2687 will amend Chapter 127A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to create a new framework for resilience hubs and networks, which will receive funding through an increase in the environmental response, energy, and food security tax. A portion of the tax collected on petroleum products will be allocated to the resilience hub and network grant program special fund. This funding mechanism is designed to support facilities that can withstand extreme weather, provide essential services during emergencies, and ensure that all community members have their needs met during adverse events.
Summary
House Bill 2687 aims to enhance Hawaii's emergency management capabilities by establishing a resilience hub and network grant program. This initiative is motivated by the increasing prevalence of climate change-induced disasters such as wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events, which threaten the safety and well-being of Hawaii's communities. The bill emphasizes the importance of community resilience—the ability of communities to withstand and recover from adverse events—and outlines plans for local support systems to address various vulnerabilities across different populations.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB2687 is the funding mechanism through an increased tax on fossil fuels. While proponents argue that this funding is vital for community preparedness and resilience building, critics may voice concerns about the financial burden on local businesses and consumers, especially given the existing economic challenges. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the resilience hubs in truly addressing broad community needs, particularly for vulnerable populations that have historically been underrepresented in emergency response planning.