HI SCR34

Department of Education is urged to create a priority list for repairing public school fire alarm systems and study acceptable alternatives

Hawaii's average public school building age is 72 years as of 2022, with approximately 20% of the 257 public schools over 100 years old

Multiple schools have operated without functioning fire alarm systems, including King Intermediate School in Kaneohe (without working system for 7 years as of 2017) and Konawaena Elementary School (out of service for 2 years as of 2022)

Department of Education must submit the priority list with a repair timeline to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes

National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) requires schools to have functioning fire alarm systems