SB 2888 Summary

• Establishes the statewide interoperable communications executive committee within the Department of Defense, chaired by the Adjutant General, consisting of representatives from state agencies (Attorney General, Public Safety, Land and Natural Resources, Chief Information Officer, Transportation, Health, Enhanced 911 Board) and four county-level first responder/emergency management officials.

• Assigns the executive committee five primary duties: develop interoperability plans among state, county, and federal public safety agencies; coordinate public safety answering points and responder communications networks; promote use of state and county radio systems and FirstNet; coordinate emergency alerts and warnings; and review plans to improve interoperability with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

• Establishes a statewide interoperable communications technical subcommittee to provide technical advice to the executive committee, with membership open to governmental agencies managing public safety communications systems, led by the statewide interoperable communications coordinator.

• Creates the position of statewide interoperable communications coordinator within the Office of Homeland Security as a full-time, exempt (non-civil service) position with 12 specified responsibilities including strategic planning, policy development, federal coordination, and representation to the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 76-16 to exempt the statewide interoperable communications coordinator position from civil service requirements; effective July 1, 2050.