STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1574

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 571

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 571, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to improve public education on emergency management and disaster preparedness in Hawaii.

      More specifically, this measure appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to:

(1)  Develop a communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness;

(2)  Update and publish the fourth edition of the Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards; and

(3)  Conduct a systematic and targeted education and outreach initiative throughout the State for emergency management and disaster preparedness.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency; University of Hawaii; Department of Emergency Management, City and County of Honolulu; Hauula Community Association; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii residents require education on emergency and disaster preparedness, as evidenced by public behavior during threatening events.  Your Committee further finds that 2014, 2015, and 2016 saw record numbers of hurricane warnings and near misses, and that it is in the public interest to take stronger action to better prepare for potential natural disasters.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2060, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 571, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 571, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair