Bill > SB512

This bill establishes a Statewide Firefighting Helicopter Program to be managed by the State Fire Marshal, recognizing Hawaii's unique geographical challenges in combating wildfires. The program will require the purchase or leasing of helicopters, facilities, equipment, drones, and supplies, with the goal of creating a robust aerial firefighting capability that can quickly respond to wildfires across the state's diverse and often hard-to-access terrains. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to purchase equipment, create full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to operate and maintain the helicopters, provide staff training, and ensure the program is ready to begin providing aerial firefighting services by July 1, 2026. The legislation also allows the State Fire Marshal to enter into agreements with federal, state, or county agencies to utilize the helicopters when not in use and to establish reimbursement rates for providing firefighting services. Beyond wildfire response, the helicopters will have additional utility in emergency situations such as search and rescue, human and cargo transport, and law enforcement missions, with the potential to save significant costs by enabling rapid fire containment and preventing extensive wildfire damage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=512&year=2026