Bill > HB1249

This bill requires all public schools in Hawaii to develop comprehensive disaster and attack preparedness plans by January 1, 2026, in consultation with state homeland security and emergency management agencies. The plans must include detailed procedures for protecting students and staff, maintaining communication with emergency response agencies, assigning staff responsibilities, providing evacuation instructions, and conducting shelter-in-place drills at least twice annually. Additionally, each school must maintain a 48-hour supply of emergency goods such as water, food, and medical supplies to ensure survival in the event of a disaster or attack. The bill was motivated by the 2018 false ballistic missile threat in Hawaii and recognizes the state's vulnerability due to its reliance on cargo shipping for provisions. The legislature aims to proactively prepare schools for potential emergencies, whether natural or human-made, by establishing clear protocols and ensuring schools have sufficient resources to protect the nearly 180,000 students in the state's public school system. The bill includes an appropriation of funds for purchasing emergency supplies and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1249&year=2025