Authorizes the issuance of general obligations bonds to fund upgrading and installation of the tsunami siren warning system

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the state is vulnerable to a tsunami disaster and recognizes the importance in remaining vigilant in protecting its residents and guests from this disaster. In view of what we continue to learn from the recent events in South East Asia, and because these tsunami threats pose the potential to cause great devastation to Hawaii, the legislature deems it vitally important to ensure the State is adequately prepared to deal with this disaster. While the State and related private agencies have made great strides in becoming capable of handling a tsunami disaster, more resources are needed to upgrade and decrease coverage gaps in the existing warning systems.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to upgrade and add urgently-needed tsunami siren warning systems throughout the state of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary, and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2005-2006 to modernize the state civil defense siren warning system as follows.

SECTION 3. The appropriations made for the capital improvements projects authorized in section 2 of this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year for which the appropriations are made; provided that all moneys that are unencumbered as of June 30, 2008, shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated in section 2 of this Act shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.