Bill > HB1060

This bill establishes the Community Readiness Centers Program to be implemented by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, creating a network of community centers designed to support emergency preparedness and response. The program will develop centers in various communities that serve as locations for residents to receive emergency training, access critical information and supplies, charge electrical devices, and obtain basic medical care during and after emergency events. The bill creates a new Community Readiness Centers Special Fund, which will be financed by redirecting a portion of the existing Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax (now renamed the Environmental Response, Energy, Food Security, and Resilience Tax). The centers will be strategically located with careful consideration of electrical grid connectivity, equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems, and designed to withstand severe weather conditions like category five hurricanes. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency will be responsible for identifying potential sites, negotiating purchases or leases, designing and constructing the centers, installing necessary infrastructure like charging stations and medical supply refrigeration, and stocking emergency supplies. The bill emphasizes community involvement in site selection and leverages existing partnerships through the Hawaii Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program to maintain these critical infrastructure assets.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1060&year=2026