HI HR55

Urges the Department of Education to create a priority list for repairing fire alarm systems in Hawaii's public schools.

Requests the Department of Education submit the priority list and repair timeline to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes.

Notes that Hawaii's average public school building age is 72 years as of 2022, with approximately 20 percent of the 257 public schools being more than 100 years old.

Cites National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) requirements that schools maintain functioning fire alarm systems and references past incidents including King Intermediate School in Kaneohe having no working fire alarm for seven years and Konawaena Elementary School's system being out of service for two years.

Directs certified copies be sent to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Superintendent of Education, and Board of Education Chairperson.