SB2808 SD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's unique status as an island state, positioned thousands of miles away from the nearest continent, makes addressing wildfires challenging. For example, while other states may request assistance from out‑of‑state firefighting agencies under mutual aid agreements, Hawaii's isolation makes it difficult to request similar assistance. The fact that each major Hawaiian island has its own unique geography, terrain, and resources further compounds challenges that firefighters face. The legislature further finds that, because the threat of wildfires has increased in recent decades, the State must adapt its firefighting approaches to meet this threat.

The legislature believes that the adoption of a unified, state‑driven approach to firefighting would enhance fire safety throughout the State. In particular, the establishment of a dedicated statewide firefighting helicopter program is imperative for the State to fortify resilience against wildfires, enhance emergency response capabilities, and safeguard the well‑being of residents and visitors. Although the individual counties currently operate firefighting helicopters, these resources are limited and are difficult to quickly deploy outside of a county in times of an emergency. A dedicated statewide helicopter will significantly reduce response times, enabling rapid deployment to contain wildfires in their early stages. In addition, helicopters can be strategically placed to support county fire departments in times of need. For example, helicopters may be proactively stationed near areas under red flag warnings.

The importance of helicopters in wildfire response cannot be understated. Hawaii's geography includes densely forested regions, arid landscapes, steep cliffs, and remote valleys, all of which present formidable challenges for ground-based firefighting efforts. Rapid intervention and precision firefighting are often hindered by difficulties in accessing certain parts of the State. A helicopter's ability to reach remote and inaccessible areas greatly increases firefighting capabilities and increases the chance that a fire can be brought under control early, before the fire spreads and destroys human life, communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, helicopters can deliver targeted water drops, fire retardant, and other firefighting agents with precision, maximizing the effectiveness of suppression efforts. This capability is critical for minimizing the impact of wildfires on the environment and safeguarding natural resources. A helicopter's agility and versatility empower firefighting crews to adapt quickly to evolving fire dynamics, ensuring a more proactive and strategic approach to containment. In particular, the legislature notes the important role that Hawaii army national guard helicopters had in responding to wildfires on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu in 2023.

The legislature further finds that, beyond firefighting, helicopters are versatile platforms that can respond to many emergencies besides wildfires. Helicopters purchased for firefighting are also essential tools in human and cargo transport, fire recognizance, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement missions. Helicopters can also help areas burned by wildfires recover by aiding in re-seeding, thereby preventing erosion and runoff. In particular, the ability of helicopters to access challenging terrains in remote areas make them invaluable assets in locating and extracting individuals in distress. Hawaii's reliance on tourism and outdoor recreational activities on land and in the ocean underscores the importance of having helicopters available to perform search and rescue operations.

In summary, the legislature finds that the allocation of funding to create a dedicated statewide firefighting helicopter program is imperative to fortify Hawaii's resilience against the growing threat of wildfires, enhance overall emergency response capabilities, and safeguard the well-being of residents and visitors.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Establish a statewide firefighting helicopter program, to be administered by the state fire marshal; and

(2) Appropriate moneys to:

(A) Obtain firefighting helicopters, facilities, equipment, and supplies;

(B) Hire and train necessary staff; and

(C) Do other things necessary to ensure that the statewide firefighting helicopter program is ready to begin providing aerial firefighting services on July 1, 2025.

SECTION 2. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§132- Statewide firefighting helicopter program; established. (a) The state fire marshal shall establish a statewide firefighting helicopter program. For the purposes of this program, the state fire marshal shall:

(1) Purchase, acquire, lease, or contract for the provision of firefighting helicopters, facilities, equipment, and supplies;

(2) Retrofit, maintain, staff, operate, and support firefighting helicopters or contract for the provision of these services; and

(3) Enter into agreements with state and county fire departments and emergency management agencies to establish policies and procedures for the deployment of firefighting helicopters.

(b) The state fire marshal may:

(1) Enter into agreements with federal, state, or county agencies for the provision of the state fire marshal's firefighting helicopters when the state fire marshal is not utilizing the helicopters; and

(2) Establish reimbursement rates for the direct and indirect costs of providing firefighting helicopters and firefighting services."

SECTION 3. 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 needs provided for by this Act.

SECTION 4. 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 state fire marshal to:

(1) Purchase, acquire, lease, or contract for the provision of firefighting helicopters, facilities, equipment, and supplies;

(2) Establish permanent, full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to administer the statewide firefighting helicopter program, including staff to operate and maintain firefighting aircraft and equipment;

(3) Provide necessary staff training; and

(4) Do other things necessary to ensure that the statewide firefighting helicopter program is ready to begin providing aerial firefighting services on July 1, 2025.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state fire marshal for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2042.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2808
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII