STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1082-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2284

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2284, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A WILDFIRE FORECAST SYSTEM FOR HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a two-year program at the University of Hawaii to develop a wildfire forecast system for the State using artificial intelligence.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that the wildfire forecast system proposed by this measure will forecast the risks of wildfire statewide to enhance public safety, preparedness, and risk mitigation, including improving the preparedness of firefighters and enabling residents to take proactive fire mitigation measures for their homes and plan for evacuations.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2284, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2284, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Higher Education & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair