H.B. 2332 Summary

• Establishes the statewide interoperable communications executive committee within the department of defense, chaired by the adjutant general, comprising state agency heads and four representatives from each county selected by mayors.

• Executive committee duties include developing plans to improve public safety communications interoperability among state, county, and federal agencies; coordinating emergency alerts and warnings; and promoting use of state and county radio systems and the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet).

• Creates a statewide interoperable communications technical subcommittee within the department of defense to provide technical advice, chaired by the statewide interoperable communications coordinator, with membership including radio engineers, information security managers, and other technical experts.

• Establishes the position of statewide interoperable communications coordinator in the office of homeland security as a full-time, exempt position with duties including strategic planning, coordination with federal and state agencies, development of interoperability plans, emergency response coordination, and serving as federal liaison on interoperable communications matters.

• Exempts the statewide interoperable communications coordinator position from civil service requirements under Chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes; effective July 1, 2050.