HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2480
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that predictive emergency modeling allows authorities to identify disasters before they occur. First responders should not be forced into dangerous rescues when lawful evacuation orders are ignored. The purpose of this Act is to establish legal protections for first responders and encourage public compliance with warnings.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

Emergency REsponder Predictive evacuation and known danger immunity act

§   -1 Definitions. When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Active hazard period" means the period during which disaster conditions make rescue unsafe.

"First responder" means any firefighter, emergency medical personnel, police, or authorized emergency worker.

"Predictive evacuation order" means an evacuation order issued based on credible threat modeling.

"Wilful non-compliance" means knowingly remaining in an evacuation zone after an evacuation order has been issued.

§   -2 Immunity; evacuation. First responders and emergency services agencies shall be immune from liability for issuing predictive evacuation orders or not conducting rescues when individuals exhibit wilful non-compliance during an active hazard period. Any person who exhibits wilful non-compliance by ignoring evacuation orders assumed the risk and waives any liability claims.

§   -3 Duty; priorities. No emergency responder shall be required to enter a danger zone during an active hazard period once a predictive evacuation order has been issued. Emergency responders shall prioritize stabilization and recovery after hazards subside.

§   -4 Exceptions. This chapter shall not apply if an individual lacked sufficient notice of a predictive evacuation order or the ability to evacuate."

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Evacuation; Immunity; Assumption of Risk; Emergency Responder

Description:

Protects emergency responders from liability during periods of evacuation. Provides that individuals who wilfully fail to comply with predictive evacuation orders assume the risk and waive liability. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.