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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2145 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to Fire Code.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that there is an inherent responsibility of each county to enforce fire codes and implement mitigation planning strategies to reduce the likelihood and impact of wildfires. The legislature also finds that it is essential to establish a framework for enhanced collaboration and accountability between the State and its counties to ensure that county zoning and development plans prioritize fire safety.
The purpose of this Act is to require each county to submit an annual report to the legislature that includes fire code enforcement updates and fire mitigation planning.
SECTION 2. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§132- Counties; annual reports. (a) Each county in the State shall
submit a detailed report to the legislature no later than thirty days before
the convening of each regular session.
The report shall outline the counties fire code enforcement efforts and
the status of its fire mitigation plan.
(b) The report shall include but not be limited to:
(1) An assessment of current fire safety measures;
(2) Identification of high-risk areas;
and
(3) Proposed strategies to enhance fire
prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities.
(c) The division of forestry and wildlife
of the department of land and natural resources, in collaboration with the state
fire council and relevant county authorities, shall develop guidelines to
assist counties in strengthening their zoning and development plans to address
wildfire prevention and mitigation.
(d) The legislature shall review the
submitted reports and, if necessary, consider additional legislation or funding
to address identified gaps in fire safety planning and enforcement."
SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
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 2024-2025 as a
grant-in-aid for the counties to submit reports to the legislature pursuant to
section 2 of this Act.
The
sum appropriated shall be expended by the counties for the purposes of this
Act, in the following amounts:
City
and county of Honolulu $
County
of Hawaii $
County
of Kauai $
County
of Maui $ .
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Fire Code; Fire Enforcement; Annual Reports; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the counties to submit annual reports on fire code enforcement updates and fire mitigation planning to the Legislature. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.