Bill > HB357

This bill addresses the increasing hurricane threat to Hawaii by appropriating funds for the Office of the Governor to strengthen existing hurricane shelters and develop new shelters capable of withstanding category five hurricanes. The bill is motivated by findings that climate change has significantly increased hurricane risks, with warmer seas moving hurricane spawning areas closer to Hawaii and potentially causing super category five hurricanes to occur annually by 2080. Currently, Hawaii has limited hurricane shelter capacity, with existing shelters unable to protect against even category two hurricanes and insufficient space to accommodate the expected number of people needing refuge during a hurricane. The legislation highlights that most wooden homes in Hawaii would be damaged or destroyed in a hurricane, and the state has lost significant natural protection from trade winds over time. The bill appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, to be spent by the Governor's office in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The bill demonstrates the legislature's commitment to protecting current and future residents by investing in hurricane resilience infrastructure, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=357&year=2025