SCR 61: recognizing and expressing appreciation for the United states Armed Forces' contributions to the state's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

recognizing and expressing appreciation for the United states Armed Forces' contributions to the state's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience.

     WHEREAS, the State's geographic isolation and limited in-state capacity for certain specialized emergency and medical services require strong coordination among state, federal, and armed forces partners; and

     WHEREAS, the United States Armed Forces maintain unique capabilities in aeromedical evacuation, logistics, and emergency response that supplement limited in-state civilian resources; and

     WHEREAS, following the devastating fireworks explosion in Aliamanu on December 31, 2024, the Queen's Medical Center experienced an immediate surge in critically injured burn victims and their affected family members, placing extraordinary strain on the State's limited burn care capacity; and

     WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need for specialized treatment beyond the State's available resources, armed forces leadership stationed in the State acted swiftly and decisively to coordinate aeromedical evacuation and airlift support, enabling injured patients to be transported to specialized burn centers in the continental United States for advanced, life-saving care; and

     WHEREAS, the United States Armed Forces' rapid response reflected on-the-ground leadership, operational readiness, and a clear understanding of the State's healthcare limitations, all of which ensured that families affected by the Aliamanu tragedy received timely access to appropriate medical treatment; and

     WHEREAS, during recent natural disasters, including the 2023 Maui wildfires, the United States Armed Forces also supported emergency response efforts by deploying personnel, aircraft, lift capacity, and logistical resources to assist civilian agencies and first responders; and

     WHEREAS, communities in the State honor the service and sacrifice of service members through events such as Military Appreciation Day, which is held at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and includes the Kaneohe Bay Air Show; and

     WHEREAS, the Kaneohe Bay Air Show is a free public event that welcomes residents, service members, United States Department of Defense civilian employees, first responders, and family members and features aerial demonstrations by the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Blue Angels, and other armed forces units; and

     WHEREAS, these coordinated efforts demonstrate strong collaboration among state agencies, healthcare providers, first responders, and armed forces partners and underscore the United States Armed Forces' critical role in providing life-saving support during emergencies, which strengthens the State's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body recognizes and appreciates the United States Armed Forces' contributions to the State's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body affirms the importance of continued coordination and effective communication among county, state, federal, and armed forces partners to strengthen emergency response capabilities, ensure timely life-saving support during emergencies, and protect the health and safety of the State's residents; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and Adjutant General.

Report Title: 

United States Armed Forces; Emergency Preparedness; Community Resilience; Recognition; Appreciation