Bill > SB3111

This bill allows the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to convert temporary positions, initially created for disaster recovery efforts funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), into permanent positions that are exempt from civil service rules, meaning they would not be subject to the standard hiring and management processes outlined in Chapter 76 of Hawaii Revised Statutes. This change is intended to provide workforce stability and retain experienced personnel, especially given the long-term nature of disaster recovery and uncertainties in federal funding and staffing. The bill also clarifies that HI-EMA can authorize overtime for these positions, subject to funding availability and federal labor laws, and requires the agency to report annually to the legislature on these exempt positions, including justifications for their status and recommendations for potential conversion to civil service roles. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3111&year=2026