THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2284
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to a wildfire forecast system for Hawaii.

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

SECTION 1. (a) The university of Hawaii shall establish and implement a two-year program to develop a wildfire forecast system for the State using artificial intelligence approaches. The university of Hawaii shall develop the system to forecast the risk 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.

(b) The university of Hawaii shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ , or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that the appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest and to meet the need provided for by this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the development of the wildfire forecast system pursuant to this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

UH; Wildfire Forecast System; Public Safety; Preparedness; Wildfire Mitigation; Artificial Intelligence; Appropriation; General Fund Expenditure Ceiling Exceeded

Description:

Establishes a 2-year program at the University of Hawaii to develop a wildfire forecast system for the State using artificial intelligence. Appropriates moneys. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.

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