HI HB2292

Authorizes the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to convert temporary special project positions into permanent positions exempt from civil service, with up to 82 FEMA-funded disaster recovery positions eligible for exemption.

Limits the civil service exemption to no more than 70% of these special project positions, requiring at least 30% to transition to civil service by July 1, 2031.

Requires HIEMA to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing all exempt special project positions, justifications for exempt status, and recommendations for potential civil service conversions.

Permits the Department of Defense to authorize overtime compensation for these special project positions, subject to fund availability and Fair Labor Standards Act compliance.

Addresses workforce stability concerns stemming from Hawaii's reliance on temporary positions for long-term disaster recovery efforts, including those related to the 2023 Maui wildfires.