HI HB2515

Amends the definition of "disaster" in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 127A-2 to specify that it means the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life, property, or environment from sudden natural or artificial causes.

Expands the list of disaster causes to include hurricanes, windstorms, floods, extreme rain events, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, volcanic action, tsunamis, fires, explosions, air or water contamination, blight, droughts, infestations, riots, sabotage, hostile military or paramilitary action, disruption of state services, hazardous material accidents, disease or contagion outbreaks, bioterrorism, terrorism, and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.

Amends the definition of "emergency" to specify that it means the occurrence or imminent threat of a disaster that causes or may be likely to cause catastrophic harm and immediate danger to the population, substantial damage to or loss of property, or substantial damage to or loss of the environment, and that timely action can avert or minimize.

Takes effect on July 1, 2042.