HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	827
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to emergency preparedness.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that natural emergencies are a persistent threat to school communities and may worsen in the future because of climate change and increasing seismic activity. In November 2022, Mauna Loa on Hawaii island erupted for the first time since 1984. According to the United States Geological Survey, Mauna Loa eruptions tend to produce voluminous, fast-moving lava flows that can impact communities on the east and west sides of Hawaii island. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the city of Hilo in east Hawaii has been threatened by seven Mauna Loa lava flows. Mauna Loa lava flows have reached the south and west coasts of the island eight times.

The legislature also finds that lava flowing from Mauna Loa to the western part of Hawaii island may reach populated areas more quickly than lava flowing to the eastern part of the island. A chart produced by the United States Geological Survey shows that lava flows from Mauna Loa may reach South Kona in as little as three hours, while lava may reach Hilo in a matter of weeks.

The legislature further finds that community safety requires the creation of a well-coordinated emergency management plan and effective outreach about the details of the plan to populations that may be impacted. Without establishing and publicizing a coordinated emergency management plan, community members may not know how to keep themselves and their families safe when emergencies arise. Moreover, the absence of effective communication regarding emergency preparedness produces an information vacuum in which inaccurate information may replace official data in influencing community behavior.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to develop and maintain a communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A-    Emergency management and outreach plan. (a) The department shall develop and maintain a communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness. The plan shall include:

(1) Information about the department's protocols for managing different types of natural emergencies in each respective school complex area, including but not limited to hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, and volcanic activity;

(2) An explanation of the procedures involved in making decisions about and implementing school closures during natural emergencies;

(3) Guidelines for protecting public safety during natural emergencies; and

(4) Material regarding official communications and outreach channels that the department will use to provide timely information to community members during natural emergencies.

(b) No later than thirty days after the beginning of each school year, the department shall provide updated information to parents and guardians about its communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness.

(c) The communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness required by this section shall be posted on the department's website."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOE; Emergency Management; Outreach Plan; Disaster Preparedness

Description:

Requires the DOE to develop and maintain a communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness. Requires the DOE to provide updated information to parents and guardians about its communication strategy and outreach plan no later than thirty days after the beginning of each school year.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.