HI HB121

Appropriates funds from general revenues for the operational expenses of the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013, with the sums to be expended by the Department of Defense.

Recognizes the Civil Air Patrol's provision of disaster relief, search and rescue, homeland security, and medical emergency transport services to the State and federal organizations.

Notes the Civil Air Patrol's critical role in tsunami warning services since the 1950s, including mobilizing aircraft to warn coastal residents during the February 27, 2010 tsunami event.

Cites historical underfunding of the Civil Air Patrol, with prior appropriations of $75,000 in fiscal year 2007 exhausted by March 31, 2008, and no funding for fiscal years 1997-2003.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050 (note: effective date appears to be a technical error in the bill text).