STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1283-24

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 Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 2284, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, 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 an early-detection system will assist in forecasting potential wildfire incidents across the State and will enhance public safety, disaster preparedness, and risk mitigation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2284, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair