THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	181
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATEWIDE FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, due to its geographical isolation, Hawaii faces major barriers to effective wildfire response; and

WHEREAS, while other states may request out-of-state firefighting agencies under mutual aid agreements to assist in coordinated firefighting efforts due to closer proximity and connected land mass, Hawaii's geographical isolation and unique topography make it increasingly difficult to request similar assistance, only compounding the challenges that local firefighters face in response to a wildfire; and

WHEREAS, the threat of wildfires has increased in recent decades due to climate change, adverse weather events, and drier environmental conditions necessitating the State to adapt its firefighting methodology; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of a unified, state-driven approach to firefighting would enhance fire safety throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, a statewide firefighting aircraft program is imperative for the State to fortify resilience against wildfires and enhance emergency management and response capabilities; and

WHEREAS, the individual counties currently operate firefighting helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, drones, and other resources, that are difficult to deploy outside of a county during times of mass emergencies; and

WHEREAS, a helicopter's, fixed wing aircraft's, or drone's ability to rapidly intervene in remote and inaccessible areas dramatically increases firefighting capabilities, and if equipped with state of the art technology can deliver targeted water drops, fire retardant, and other fire suppression agents with precision to maximize the efficiency of suppression efforts; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, the House of Representatives concurring, that a statewide firefighting aircraft program is requested to be established; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature is urged to appropriate the necessary funds to create a dedicated statewide firefighting aircraft program to fortify Hawaii's resilience against wildfires, enhance emergency response capabilities, protect the State's natural resources, and ensure the safety of the State's residents and visitors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the statewide firefighting helicopter program is requested to retrofit, maintain, staff, operate, and support firefighting helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, or drones or contract for the provision of these services and enter into agreements with state and county fire departments and emergency management agencies to establish policies and procedures for the deployment of firefighting helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, or drones; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Chair of the State Fire Council.

Report Title:

State Fire Marshal; Statewide Firefighting Helicopter Program; Wildfires; Emergencies