Appropriates funds to retrofit existing and construct new emergency shelters, operate shelters on a 24/7 basis, upgrade civil defense communication systems, conduct an education and awareness campaign, and provide humanitarian aid.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Hawaii is vulnerable to a host of disasters, both natural and manmade. The legislature recognizes the importance of 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.

A number of public schools throughout the State have been designated as emergency shelters in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These emergency shelters may not meet the design criteria standards established by the department of defense pursuant to Act 5, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2005.

In addition to providing safe emergency shelter, an effective response to a catastrophic disaster requires efficient communications among the counties, the military, and state and federal agencies.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for disaster preparedness efforts, including:

SECTION 2. The department of education and the department of defense shall jointly determine which structures presently being used for department of education operations have been designated as emergency shelters but do not meet the department of defense's design standards established pursuant to Act 5, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2005.

The department of education and the department of defense shall also identify sites for new emergency shelters located within or on the grounds of facilities being used for department of education operations to be constructed according to the current design standards.

The department of defense shall submit a report of any findings and recommendations to the governor and the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2007.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the planning, design, construction, and equipment costs related to retrofitting existing structures presently being used for department of education operations that have been designated as emergency shelters, to comply with design standards established pursuant to Act 5, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2005.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the planning, design, construction, and equipment costs related to increasing the number of safe emergency shelters located in the community.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to upgrade, install, and maintain a comprehensive disaster alert system to provide early warning for residents. The sum appropriated shall also be used to conduct an education and awareness campaign so that people know exactly what to do and where to go during a major disaster.

SECTION 6. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for grants to the state law enforcement coalition to provide humanitarian aid such as food, water, and emergency care, as well as logistical support.

SECTION 7. The sums appropriated in section 3 shall be expended by the department of education and sections 4 and 5 by the department of defense. The sum appropriated in section 6 shall be expended by the attorney general for the purposes of this section, upon determination by the governor that a state disaster has occurred.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.