Bill > SB679

This bill addresses the increasing threat of hurricanes in Hawaii by appropriating funds to strengthen existing hurricane shelters and develop new ones capable of withstanding category five hurricanes. The legislation is driven by findings that climate change has shifted hurricane patterns, with warmer seas causing more frequent and intense hurricanes near Hawaii. Currently, the state lacks sufficient hurricane shelters, with existing facilities unable to protect against even category two hurricanes and only enough capacity to shelter 100,000 people when 200,000 may need protection. The bill allocates funding for the Office of the Governor to work in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop shelters that can withstand extreme hurricane conditions. The legislature views this as a moral obligation to protect current and future residents, recognizing that most wooden homes in Hawaii would be damaged or destroyed in even a category one hurricane. The appropriated funds will be used over fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025, to begin immediately addressing the growing hurricane risk to the state.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=679&year=2026