WHEREAS, within the past twenty-two years, the devastation of Hurricane Iwa in 1982 and Hurricane Iniki in 1992 wreaked havoc on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau; and

WHEREAS, Hurricane Iniki caused over $1,000,000,000 in damages on Kauai and nearly shutdown the island's economy; and

WHEREAS, during civil defense emergencies, including hurricanes, residents and tourists are directed to shelters throughout the State, many of which are located at public schools; and

WHEREAS, these designated schools serve as a safe heaven and refuge against the destruction of high surf and violent life-threatening winds that topple trees and buildings and spread tons of dangerous debris; and

WHEREAS, in response to public concern and to mitigate the heavy hurricane damage suffered by the State, on July 29, 1997, the Adjutant General established criteria for hurricane-resistant shelters; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Department of Education and the Department of Accounting and General Services are requested to comply with the criteria for hurricane-resistant shelters established by the Adjutant General in the planning, design, construction, and equipping of all public school buildings designated by the State or counties as hurricane shelters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Adjutant General is requested to revise and update the six-year-old criteria for hurricane-resistant shelters as necessary to utilize current technology to provide modern and safe hurricane shelters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, the Chairperson of the Board of Education, the Comptroller, and the Adjutant General.

Report Title:

Hurricane-Resistant Shelters; Education