Bill > SB1177

This bill establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Office of the State Fire Marshal to address Hawaii's unique search and rescue challenges. The legislation creates a centralized authority to coordinate search and rescue operations across multiple agencies, including federal, state, county, and volunteer organizations. The State Search and Rescue Coordinator, appointed for a five-year term, will be responsible for developing a statewide search and rescue plan, serving as the primary point of contact for operations, overseeing personnel training and certification, managing resource allocation, and establishing communication protocols. The bill also creates a Search and Rescue Special Fund to support operations, training, and public education initiatives, with funding sources including legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations. The coordinator will be required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing search and rescue operations, training activities, and fund expenditures. Additionally, the bill mandates participation from various state and county agencies, including departments of defense, land and natural resources, and law enforcement, as well as county fire and police departments, in conjunction with federal agencies like the Coast Guard and Civil Air Patrol. The new office aims to improve search and rescue efficiency, reduce response times, and enhance public safety by creating a unified and comprehensive approach to emergency search and rescue efforts.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1177&year=2026