HI HB596

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 resulting from sudden natural or artificial causes.

Expands the list of disaster-causing events to include hurricanes, windstorms, floods, extreme rain events, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, volcanic activity, 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 weapons of mass destruction incidents.

Clarifies that a disaster requires or may require assistance from other counties, states, the federal government, or private agencies.

Amends the definition of "emergency" to mean 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 property or environment, and that timely action can avert or minimize.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.