Bill > SB2938

This bill, known as the "Hawaii State Search and Rescue Coordinator Act," establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to address challenges in search and rescue (SAR) operations across the state, which include extensive coastlines and undeveloped land, and a high rate of missing persons due to fragmented efforts among over a dozen agencies. The Act defines "search and rescue operations" broadly to include missing person searches, wilderness, urban, maritime, and aeronautical rescues. The State Search and Rescue Coordinator will be responsible for developing a statewide SAR plan, serving as the main point of contact, coordinating operations among designated "participating agencies" (which include state departments like defense, land and natural resources, attorney general, and law enforcement, as well as county fire, police, and emergency services departments), overseeing training and certification, managing resources, establishing communication protocols, and collecting data on SAR incidents. A dedicated "Search and Rescue Special Fund" will be created to support these operations, funded by legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing SAR activities, training, and fund expenditures, and requires the HI-EMA Administrator to hire the Coordinator by January 1, 2027, with the overall act taking effect on July 1, 2525.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2938&year=2026