Bill > HR101

This Resolution urges the counties of Hawaii to officially recognize 911 emergency services dispatchers as "first responders" within their jurisdictions. First responders are individuals who provide emergency response services, and the resolution highlights that 911 dispatchers, often the very first point of contact in an emergency, play a critical role by gathering vital information, relaying instructions, and coordinating with law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel in the field. The resolution also calls for updating the job classifications of these dispatchers to reflect their first responder duties, acknowledging the immense stress and potential for trauma they experience despite not being physically present at emergency scenes, and noting that they receive specialized training and certification for their essential public safety work.