Bill > HR58

This resolution requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate establishing an Office of Resilience and Recovery, prompted by the devastating Maui wildfires that caused over 100 fatalities and nearly $12 billion in damages. The working group would include representatives from various state and county agencies, including the Governor's Office, Attorney General, emergency management agencies, fire services, legislative members, county mayors, and the American Red Cross. The group's primary tasks are to determine the most appropriate principal department for the new Office of Resilience and Recovery, examine its potential relationship with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations by November 30, 2025. This effort stems from the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team's January 2025 policy recommendations, which suggested creating a permanent Hawaii Resilience Office to improve the state's disaster preparedness and response capabilities, while acknowledging that current temporary offices like the Hawaii Office of Recovery and Resiliency have only partial responsibility for resilience planning.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=58&year=2025