STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1026

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 1387

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 1387 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE CIVIL DEFENSE POSITIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation to add staffing to assist the State Civil Defense Division in reorganizing its operations and re-constituting an around the clock, year round emergency operating center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Department of Defense, Honolulu Police Department, and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is at risk to every conceivable natural and man-made disaster, many of which may strike at any moment with little or no advance warning. With the ongoing war on terrorism, our nation also faces the risk of terrorist attacks.

Your Committee further finds that there is a need to continually assess potentially dangerous situations and coordinate warnings and actions to protect lives and property. In order to strengthen Hawaii's emergency management system, the expansion of Hawaii's emergency operations is essential, including providing an around the clock, year round emergency operating center. A 24/7 operation provides the watch capability to monitor threat information and disseminate that information, and provides early warning for natural and man-made hazards.

Currently, by agreement, the Honolulu Police Department Communications Division has provided the State since 1975 an early warning system (State Warning Point) through the 911 call center and radio dispatching. Your Committee finds that this function should rightfully belong to the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1387, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Government Operations,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair