Report Title:
Hurricane Preparedness Month
Description:
Supports the intent of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which is held every third week in May to increase hurricane preparedness and safety. Declares May to be "Hurricane Preparedness Month" in Hawaii.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1676 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to hurricane preparedness month.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature supports the intent of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, a collaboration between the federal government and states that are vulnerable to storms and hurricanes, to focus on preparedness and safety among residents during the third week of May every year. Although June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season in Hawaii, the legislature believes that that the month of May, which coincides with National Hurricane Preparedness Week, would be an opportune time for the residents of Hawaii to talk with their families and friends about hurricane preparedness and make their own emergency plans. Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June through November of every year.
The legislature finds that a complete hurricane emergency plan should include establishing a time and place for family members to meet, knowing their evacuation routes and shelter locations, and knowing what emergency items to bring, including money, food, and health-related supplies. In addition, pet owners who plan to evacuate their pets should plan for their pet's needs by packing a carrier or kennel, a collar and leash, current identification and vaccination documents, necessary pet medications, and a photo of the pet.
The legislature also finds that businesses should review their emergency preparedness plans before June 1 and provide appropriate training to all of their personnel.
The legislature also finds that each county should review and update the critical components of its emergency preparedness plan on the evacuation of residents with special health needs or residents who require special assistance, such as the elderly and infirm. This is not intended to replace each person's individual responsibility, rather, it is meant to be an evacuation method of last resort and only for those citizens who have no other means or who have physical limitations that prohibit self-evacuation.
The purpose of this Act is to encourage all residents of Hawaii to use the month of May to make sufficient emergency preparations for hurricane season by designating the month of May to be "Hurricane Preparedness Month."
SECTION 2. Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§8- Hurricane Preparedness Month. The entire month of May shall be known and designated as "Hurricane Preparedness Month". This month is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.