STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2172-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.C.R. No. 62

S.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 62, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE 911 BOARD TO ESTABLISH OR UTILIZE AN APPROPRIATE WORKING GROUP TO ENGAGE WITH THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS CONTINUING ACCESS ISSUES IN THE STATE’S EMERGENCY AND 911 RESPONSE SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the 911 Board to establish a new working group, or use an appropriate existing working group, to engage in continued dialogue with the disability community regarding access to emergency and 911 response systems.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the 911 Board; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Disability and Communication Access Board; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that testimony provided on H.B. No. 1577, H.D. 1 (2026) (H.B. No. 1577), demonstrated that advance access by emergency responders to vital medical, mobility, and communication information can improve emergency response outcomes and save lives. Your Committee further finds that individuals with disabilities testified that providing first responders with medical, mobility, and communication information in advance allows them to understand the individuals' needs before arrival, reducing confusion, stress, and delays. Your Committee also finds that disability advocates emphasized that person‑centered emergency information promotes safety, dignity, and inclusion and ensures that emergency response systems meet individual needs. Your Committee also finds, however, that the 911 Board, in its testimony on H.B. No. 1577, acknowledged the importance of enhanced emergency response systems but expressed concerns that many objectives proposed in this measure are already being achieved through existing systems and that additional statutory mandates may duplicate efforts and divert limited resources. The 911 Board further raised concerns regarding vendor constraints, system integration differences across counties, and privacy considerations, suggesting that flexibility is necessary to address access issues for individuals with disabilities, your Committee therefore finds that a working group established through a concurrent resolution provides a flexible and collaborative approach without imposing duplicative statutory requirements.

Your Committee notes that the working group being developed by the 911 Board should focus on:

(1) Ensuring the integration of the 911 system with emergency medical services infrastructure and emergency medical services dispatchers and professionals on the ground; and

(2) Educating the public about the 911 system.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 62, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair