SR 67: urging the county of maui, in conjunction with THE maui emergency management Agency, hawaii emergency management agency, and department of defense, to conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the maui community.

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the county of maui, in conjunction with THE maui emergency management Agency, hawaii emergency management agency, and department of defense, to conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the maui community.

     WHEREAS, the devastating impact of wildfires and other natural disasters in Maui and throughout the State has underscored the critical need for comprehensive and community-involved emergency preparedness measures; and

     WHEREAS, recent natural disasters have demonstrated the importance of real-time, practical emergency response training that incorporates both emergency personnel and members of affected communities; and

     WHEREAS, several municipalities in the United States and other jurisdictions implemented community-based disaster drills, successfully engaging residents in the planning, execution, and evaluation of emergency response exercises to increase preparedness and resilience; and

     WHEREAS, Culver City, California's annual community-wide disaster drills, Japan's extensive public disaster preparedness education programs, Vietnam's community-based disaster risk management initiative, and Indonesia's tsunami evacuation drills in coastal villages are examples of successful community-based disaster drills and response programs; and

     WHEREAS, real-time wildfire and disaster drills that include community participation enhance public awareness, familiarize residents with evacuation protocols, and create opportunities for immediate feedback and improvement in emergency response strategies; and

     WHEREAS, involving community members in all phases of disaster drill preparation, execution, and evaluation fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and empowerment that leads to more effective and coordinated emergency response; and

     WHEREAS, lessons learned from disaster preparedness drills will provide invaluable insight for the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Defense in refining disaster response strategies, improving communication channels, and identifying gaps in existing emergency protocols; and

     WHEREAS, a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, emphasizing hands-on community engagement, will create a resilient and well-informed population that is better equipped to respond effectively when natural disasters occur; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the County of Maui, in conjunction with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Defense, are urged to conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the Maui community; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the drills are urged to be designed to include local residents in planning, participation, and post-drill evaluations to ensure continuous improvements in disaster preparedness; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maui Emergency Management Agency is urged to collaborate with community leaders, local businesses, schools, and other stakeholders to maximize participation and effectiveness of disaster preparedness drills; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Adjutant General, Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Mayor of the County of Maui, and Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency.

Report Title: 

DOD; HIEMA; Maui Emergency Management Agency; Maui County; Disaster Drills; Disaster Preparedness

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1408

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 67

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 67 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MAUI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, TO CONDUCT REAL-TIME WILDFIRE AND OTHER DISASTER DRILLS INVOLVING THE MAUI COMMUNITY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the County of Maui to:

     (1)  In conjunction with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Defense, conduct real-time wildfire and other disaster drills involving the Maui community; and

     (2)  Collaborate with community leaders, local businesses, schools, and other stakeholders to maximize participation and effectiveness of the drills.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committees find that the impact of recent natural disasters in Maui have demonstrated the importance of real-time practical emergency response training that incorporates both emergency personnel and members of the community.  Your Committees recognize that several municipalities in the United States and other jurisdictions have implemented successful community-based disaster drills and response programs.  This measure addresses the critical need for comprehensive and community-involved emergency preparedness measures and will help create a resilient and well-informed population that is better equipped to respond effectively when natural disasters occur.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 67 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs,