S.R. No. 120 Summary

• Urges the Governor and Director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to improve Hawaii's emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation measures, particularly for schools serving as emergency shelters.

• Requests the Director apply for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program to upgrade critical facilities such as shelters.

• Requests the Director develop an Enhanced Mitigation Plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including plans to harden schools used as emergency shelters.

• Notes that states with Enhanced Mitigation Plans receive up to 20 percent matching funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for disaster assistance, compared to Hawaii's current Standard Mitigation Plan which receives 7.5-15 percent depending on disaster size.

• Identifies specific needs for school shelters including hardening and maintenance, volunteer and staff training, evacuation drills, safety and security measures, and appropriate resources.