HI HR101

Urges counties in Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui) to officially recognize 911 emergency services dispatchers as first responders in their respective jurisdictions.

Calls for job classifications of 911 emergency services dispatchers to be updated to reflect their duties as first responders.

Notes that dispatchers are critical infrastructure for public safety, often being the first public safety employees to handle emergencies and serve as the lifeline between callers and field responders.

Acknowledges that dispatchers face high stress, make split-second decisions affecting public safety, and may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from handling traumatic calls and graphic multimedia content through Next Generation 911 systems.

References California Assembly Bill 1945 (2020) as a model that defines public safety dispatchers and telecommunicators as first responders providing emergency response services.