Appropriates $2,000,000 for FY 2005-2006 and $2,000,000 for FY 2006-2007 for emergency shelter retrofitting.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Hawaii is vulnerable to a host of disasters, both natural and man-made. The legislature recognizes the importance in remaining vigilant to protect residents and visitors from any disaster. Because these threats may cause great devastation to Hawaii, the legislature deems it vitally important to ensure the State is adequately prepared to deal with any possible disaster. The legislature finds while the State and private agencies have made great strides to handle disasters, much work needs to be done to improve disaster-related planning and preparation.

The purpose of this Act is to improve emergency shelters used during a disaster. These improvements will focus on retrofitting existing schools with reinforced windows and doors, to make them wind resistant, along with the purchasing of equipment to mitigate any flooding that may occur during a disaster.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 and $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to be used to improve emergency shelters used during a disaster.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of defense for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.