Bill > HB2439

This bill, known as the "Hawaii State Search and Rescue Coordinator Act," establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Office of the Governor to address the challenges of search and rescue (SAR) operations in Hawaii, which are complicated by the state's geography and a fragmented system of over a dozen agencies. The Act defines "search and rescue operations" broadly to include missing person searches, wilderness and urban rescues, and maritime and aeronautical rescues, and designates "participating agencies" as state and county organizations involved in these efforts. The State Search and Rescue Coordinator will be responsible for developing a statewide SAR plan, serving as the main point of contact for all SAR operations, coordinating agencies, overseeing training and readiness, managing resources, establishing communication protocols, collecting data, promoting public awareness, and submitting annual reports to the Legislature detailing operations, training, and finances. To support these activities, the bill establishes a Search and Rescue Special Fund, which will receive legislative appropriations, federal grants, private donations, and other revenue, and will be used for operational expenses, equipment, training, and public education. The bill also appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of the new office and its activities, with the Act taking effect on July 1, 2026, and the coordinator to be appointed by January 1, 2027.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2439&year=2026