Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR142

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Identify And Assess Emergency Shelters Capable Of Withstanding Hurricane Conditions And To Develop A Plan To Improve The State's Hurricane Shelter Capacity.

Impact

The resolution aims to bolster the state's emergency preparedness by mandating a thorough assessment of existing shelters, many of which are located in facilities that may not have been designed to withstand the forces of a hurricane. By identifying shelters that can meet at least Category 1 hurricane-force winds, the resolution encourages the development of a more robust public safety infrastructure. This process is expected to yield a publicly available inventory of shelters, equipping residents with the information necessary for making informed evacuation decisions during emergencies.

Summary

House Resolution 142 (HR142) requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to identify and assess emergency shelters in the state that are capable of withstanding hurricane conditions. The resolution outlines a severe concern for the safety and well-being of residents and visitors, especially considering the vulnerability of Hawaii to hurricanes and tropical storms. With the potential increase in storm intensity due to climate change and warming ocean temperatures, the need for resilient shelters has never been more critical.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR142 appears to be proactive and solution-oriented, focusing on enhancing community safety and disaster response capabilities. The acknowledgment of climate change impacts signifies a commitment to adapting state resources to current realities. Stakeholders seem to support efforts to improve shelter capacities, understanding that preparedness is essential in mitigating the effects of natural disasters.

Contention

While HR142 is generally viewed positively, it may face challenges related to funding for improvements and retrofitting of existing shelters. Additionally, the potential for differing opinions on which facilities should be prioritized for upgrades or new construction could generate discussion among legislators and the public. The resolution lays a foundation for addressing these complexities by calling for comprehensive assessments and publicly documented recommendations.

Companion Bills

HI HCR150

Same As Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Identify And Assess Emergency Shelters Capable Of Withstanding Hurricane Conditions And To Develop A Plan To Improve The State's Hurricane Shelter Capacity.

Previously Filed As

HI HB357

Relating To Hurricane Shelters.

HI SB679

Relating To Hurricane Shelters.

HI HR159

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu, County Of Maui, County Of Hawaii, And County Of Kauai To Create And Maintain A Comprehensive List Of Hurricane Refuges And Shelters Electronically Accessible To The Public.

HI SCR107

Requesting Each Branch Of The United States Military In The State To Provide Shelters That Can Withstand Hurricanes With Winds Of Over Two Hundred Miles-per-hour For All Of Their Active And Retired Personnel And Families Living In The State.

HI SR88

Requesting Each Branch Of The United States Military In The State To Provide Shelters That Can Withstand Hurricanes With Winds Of Over Two Hundred Miles-per-hour For All Of Their Active And Retired Personnel And Families Living In The State.

HI HCR164

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu, County Of Maui, County Of Hawaii, And County Of Kauai To Create And Maintain A Comprehensive List Of Hurricane Refuges And Shelters Electronically Accessible To The Public.

HI HCR37

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Collaborate With Relevant Agencies To Develop Initiatives And Outreach Programs To Inform Kupuna About Emergency Preparedness.

HI SCR22

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Collaborate With Relevant Agencies To Develop Initiatives And Outreach Programs To Inform Kupuna About Emergency Preparedness.

HI SB1167

Relating To The Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund.

HI HB659

Relating To Hurricane Resistant Criteria.

Similar Bills

HI SB2883

Relating To Building Codes.

HI HCR150

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Identify And Assess Emergency Shelters Capable Of Withstanding Hurricane Conditions And To Develop A Plan To Improve The State's Hurricane Shelter Capacity.

HI HB356

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI SB698

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI SB698

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI HB356

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI HB357

Relating To Hurricane Shelters.

HI SB679

Relating To Hurricane Shelters.