HI HB849

Establishes a new Hawaii Emergency Management Agency within the Department of Defense, replacing the outdated Civil Defense system created in 1950, with the Adjutant General as director and a civilian administrator heading day-to-day operations.

Creates comprehensive emergency management framework defining powers of the Governor and county mayors during state and local emergencies, including evacuation control, resource requisition, price controls, and suspension of certain laws during emergency periods.

Requires each county to establish and maintain county emergency management agencies, emergency operations centers, and warning points under the mayor's direction with appropriate funding and staffing.

Repeals chapters 127 and 128 of Hawaii Revised Statutes (Disaster Relief and Civil Defense Acts) and updates numerous other statutes to replace references to "civil defense" with "emergency management."

Includes protections for emergency workers, volunteers, and private property owners providing shelters; establishes procedures for property requisition and compensation; and prohibits price gouging and evictions during declared emergencies or severe weather warnings.