SB 533: Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Response; Department of Education; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program, implemented on July 1, 2024, aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions.  While the program is critical for public safety, its implementation poses significant operational challenges for public schools.  Presently, fifteen department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as vulnerable to planned public safety power shutoff events.  These power outages may disrupt essential services, including communication systems, water access, meal programs, and accommodations for students and staff that are reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or assistive technologies.

     The legislature further finds that maintaining school operations during planned public safety power shutoff events is vital to ensuring educational continuity, providing access to meals, and maintaining a sense of normalcy for students.  This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where schools often serve as essential community hubs.  To meet this need, schools must prepare for prolonged power outages by implementing measures such as backup power solutions, access to shelf-stable food and clean water, and fire safety protocols.

     The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires underscore the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the impacts of emergencies, and the United States Department of Education's after-action report highlighted areas for improvement, many of which align with the challenges posed by the planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Additionally, the department of education has implemented measures to support recovery and resilience for Maui schools affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.  These include monthly working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance, and community engagement.  Funds from the United States Department of Education's School Emergency Response to Violence program have been allocated for critical recovery efforts, including mental health services, transportation for displaced students, and substitute teachers to support staff well-being.

     The legislature recognizes that lessons learned from the 2023 Maui wildfires and the department of education's subsequent actions provide a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of the planned public safety power shutoff program.  However, additional funding is essential to implement long-term solutions, such as establishing regional hubs equipped with emergency supplies, procuring backup power sources, and providing comprehensive training for staff.  These efforts will ensure schools can remain operational during planned public safety power shutoff events, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff while maintaining access to essential services.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to support public schools impacted by a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     SECTION 2.  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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to support public schools impacted by a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program by:

     (1)  Assessing alternative power solutions;

     (2)  Assessing the feasibility of establishing regional emergency hubs;

     (3)  Developing contingency plans and training to maintain school operations during outages;

     (4)  Assessing fire safety measures; and

     (5)  Assessing and developing accommodations for electricity-dependent students and staff.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Response; Department of Education; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to support public schools impacted by a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program, implemented on July 1, 2024, aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions.  While the program is critical for public safety, its implementation poses significant operational challenges for public schools.  Presently, fifteen department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as vulnerable to planned public safety power shutoff events.  These power outages may disrupt essential services including communication systems, water access, meal programs, and accommodations for students and staff that are reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or assistive technologies.

     The legislature further finds that maintaining school operations during planned public safety power shutoff events is vital to ensuring educational continuity, providing access to meals, and sustaining a sense of normalcy for students.  This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where schools often serve as essential community hubs.  To meet this need, schools must prepare for prolonged power outages by implementing measures such as backup power solutions, access to shelf-stable food and clean water, and fire safety protocols.

     The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires underscores the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the impacts of emergencies and the United States Department of Education's after-action report highlighted areas for improvement, many of which align with the challenges posed by the planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Additionally, the department of education has implemented measures to support recovery and resilience for Maui schools affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.  These include monthly working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance, and community engagement.  Funds from the project school emergency response to violence grant have been allocated for critical recovery efforts, including mental health services, transportation for displaced students, and substitute teachers to support staff well-being.

     The legislature recognizes that lessons learned from the 2023 Maui wildfires and the department of education's subsequent actions provide a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of the planned public safety power shutoff program.  However, additional funding is essential to implement long-term solutions, such as establishing regional hubs equipped with emergency supplies, procuring backup power sources, and providing comprehensive training for staff.  These efforts will ensure schools can remain operational during planned public safety power shutoff events, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff while maintaining access to essential services.  The local investor-owned electric utility can assess the viability of using alternative power solutions, such as generators and solar battery systems, for identified schools subject to the planned public safety power shutoff program; establish regional resource hubs equipped with essential supplies, including water, shelf-stable food, and backup communication tools, to ensure continuity of operations during outages; provide training and develop contingency plans to enable schools to remain open and safe during power outages; and enhance fire safety measures and accommodations for students and employees with electricity-dependent needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require a local investor-owned electric utility to provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     SECTION 2.  A local investor-owned electric utility that implements a planned public safety power shutoff program shall provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Response; Local Investor-Owned Electric Utility

Description:

Requires a local investor-owned electric utility to provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program, implemented on July 1, 2024, aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions.  While the program is critical for public safety, its implementation poses significant operational challenges for public schools.  Presently, fifteen department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as vulnerable to planned public safety power shutoff events.  These power outages may disrupt essential services including communication systems, water access, meal programs, and accommodations for students and staff that are reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or assistive technologies.

     The legislature further finds that maintaining school operations during planned public safety power shutoff events is vital to ensuring educational continuity, providing access to meals, and sustaining a sense of normalcy for students.  This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where schools often serve as essential community hubs.  To meet this need, schools must prepare for prolonged power outages by implementing measures such as backup power solutions, access to shelf-stable food and clean water, and fire safety protocols.

     The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires underscores the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the impacts of emergencies and the United States Department of Education's after-action report highlighted areas for improvement, many of which align with the challenges posed by the planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Additionally, the department of education has implemented measures to support recovery and resilience for Maui schools affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.  These include monthly working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance, and community engagement.  Funds from the project school emergency response to violence grant have been allocated for critical recovery efforts, including mental health services, transportation for displaced students, and substitute teachers to support staff well-being.

     The legislature recognizes that lessons learned from the 2023 Maui wildfires and the department of education's subsequent actions provide a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of the planned public safety power shutoff program.  However, additional funding is essential to implement long-term solutions, such as establishing regional hubs equipped with emergency supplies, procuring backup power sources, and providing comprehensive training for staff.  These efforts will ensure schools can remain operational during planned public safety power shutoff events, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff while maintaining access to essential services.  Through increased funding for schools impacted by the planned public safety power shutoff program, the department of education can assess the viability of using alternative power solutions, such as generators and solar battery systems, for identified schools subject to the planned public safety power shutoff program; establish regional resource hubs equipped with essential supplies, including water, shelf-stable food, and backup communication tools, to ensure continuity of operations during outages; provide training and develop contingency plans to enable schools to remain open and safe during power outages; and enhance fire safety measures and accommodations for students and employees with electricity-dependent needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to support schools impacted by a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     SECTION 2.  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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to support schools impacted by a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOE; Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Response; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to evaluate school needs to mitigate the impact of the planned public safety power shutoff program.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program, implemented on July 1, 2024, aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions.  While the program is critical for public safety, its implementation poses significant operational challenges for public schools.  Presently, fifteen department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as vulnerable to planned public safety power shutoff events.  These power outages may disrupt essential services including communication systems, water access, meal programs, and accommodations for students and staff that are reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or assistive technologies.

     The legislature further finds that maintaining school operations during planned public safety power shutoff events is vital to ensuring educational continuity, providing access to meals, and sustaining a sense of normalcy for students.  This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where schools often serve as essential community hubs.  To meet this need, schools must prepare for prolonged power outages by implementing measures such as backup power solutions, access to shelf-stable food and clean water, and fire safety protocols.

     The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires underscores the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the impacts of emergencies and the United States Department of Education's after-action report highlighted areas for improvement, many of which align with the challenges posed by the planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Additionally, the department of education has implemented measures to support recovery and resilience for Maui schools affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.  These include monthly working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance, and community engagement.  Funds from the project school emergency response to violence grant have been allocated for critical recovery efforts, including mental health services, transportation for displaced students, and substitute teachers to support staff well-being.

     The legislature recognizes that lessons learned from the 2023 Maui wildfires and the department of education's subsequent actions provide a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of the planned public safety power shutoff program.  However, additional funding is essential to implement long-term solutions, such as establishing regional hubs equipped with emergency supplies, procuring backup power sources, and providing comprehensive training for staff.  These efforts will ensure schools can remain operational during planned public safety power shutoff events, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff while maintaining access to essential services.  Through increased funding for schools impacted by the planned public safety power shutoff program, the department of education can assess the viability of using alternative power solutions, such as generators and solar battery systems, for planned public safety power shutoff identified schools; establish regional resource hubs equipped with essential supplies, including water, shelf-stable food, and backup communication tools, to ensure continuity of operations during outages; provide training and develop contingency plans to enable schools to remain open and safe during power outages; and enhance fire safety measures and accommodations for students and employees with electricity-dependent needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to support schools impacted by a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to support schools impacted by a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOE; Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Response; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to evaluate school needs to mitigate the impact of the planned public safety power shutoff program.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1204

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 533

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 533, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require a local investor-owned electric utility that implements a planned public safety power shutoff program to provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Hawaiian Electric.

     Your Committee finds that a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions.  Your Committee further finds that the implementation of this program poses challenges for public schools as outages may disrupt essential services.  This measure appropriates funds to the Department of Education to support public schools impacted by the planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting the requirement that an investor-owned electric utility provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the planned public safety power shutoff program;

     (2)  Adding a general fund appropriation of an unspecified amount for the Department of Education to support public schools impacted by the planned public safety power shutoff program;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee notes the Department of Education's written testimony, which indicates the need for an appropriation in the amount of $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support impacted schools pursuant to this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 533, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 533, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Education.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 688

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 533

       S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 533, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Education to support public schools impacted by a local investor-owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaiian Electric.

     Your Committee finds that the planned public safety power shutoff program will impact certain public schools on the islands of Maui and Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that the public utility implementing the planned public safety power shutoff program should provide and fund support for public schools impacted by the program.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting the appropriation; and

     (2)  Requiring the local investor-owned electric utility to provide and fund support to public schools impacted by the utility's planned public safety power shutoff program.

     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 S.B. No. 533, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 533, S.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 98

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 533

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 533 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Education to evaluate school needs to mitigate the impact of the planned Public Safety Power Shutoff program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaiian Electric.

     Your Committee finds that the State has prioritized public safety and emergency preparedness following the 2023 Maui wildfires.  As part of its emergency preparedness plans, a local investor-owned public electric utility is preparing to commence planned safety power shutoffs to prepare for real emergency situations.  While the utility has mitigated the impact to some schools statewide, the planned safety power shutoff has been unable to be mitigated for certain schools on Maui and Hawaii Island.  In light of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, your Committee further finds that this proactive approach will help mitigate impacts to Department of Education schools while ensuring a clear, defined safety plan for the electric utility.  Therefore, this measure ensures continued access to education while preparing the State for unforeseen emergencies.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $1,000,000 for identified schools subject to the planned Public Safety Power Shutoff program.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 533, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 533, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,