HI HB144

Reauthorizes $463,823 in remaining funds from a 2014 appropriation for the mitigation of hazardous situations program administered under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 127A-18, extending the lapse date from June 30, 2017 to June 30, 2020.

Appropriates an additional $536,177 in general revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 to continue the hazardous situation mitigation program, which allows the governor to authorize state employees to enter private property to address public health and safety hazards.

Allows appropriated funds to be carried forward into subsequent fiscal years rather than lapsing, enabling the Department of Defense to manage the program across multiple years.

As of November 2016, the program had resolved 474 of 598 cases received, and contributed to minimal damage from downed trees during 2016 Tropical Storm Darby compared to significant damage from the same hazard during 2014 Tropical Storm Iselle.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.