STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1793
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.C.R. No. 37
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 37 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO COLLABORATE WITH RELEVANT AGENCIES TO DEVELOP INITIATIVES AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS TO INFORM KUPUNA ABOUT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs; Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition; AARP Hawaiʻi; Be Ready Manoa; AlohaCare; and one individual.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii's exposure
to frequent and severe natural hazards, including hurricanes, tsunamis,
earthquakes, and volcanic activity, demands comprehensive preparedness
strategies that account for the State's diverse population. Older adults, who comprise a growing portion
of Hawaii's residents, are particularly at-risk during disasters due to
mobility challenges, chronic medical conditions, and limited access to timely
information. Strengthening the ability of
older adults to respond effectively in emergencies can greatly enhance their
safety and ease the strain on emergency services. Accordingly, this measure urges the Hawaii
Emergency Management Agency to work with appropriate partners to design and
implement public education efforts and outreach initiatives that ensure kupuna
are better equipped to navigate emergency situations.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 37 and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
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