HI SB298

Establishes an administrator of emergency management as the civilian head of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, appointed by the adjutant general, requiring at least three years of emergency management experience at local, state, or federal level.

Grants the administrator authority to report directly to the governor in the director's absence and exempts the administrator from civil service requirements under chapter 76.

Authorizes the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to acquire, own, improve, and dispose of real, personal, or mixed property for emergency management purposes, including the ability to acquire property by condemnation under chapter 101.

Amends the definition of "public lands" to exclude lands held by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, allowing the agency to hold property outside the public lands system.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.