HI HB2439

Establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Office of the Governor to provide centralized oversight of all statewide search and rescue operations across Hawaii's 750 miles of coastline and 3.8 million acres of undeveloped property.

Designates participating agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of the Attorney General, Department of Law Enforcement, and all county fire, police, and emergency services departments.

Creates the Search and Rescue Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations for operational expenses, equipment procurement, training programs, and public education efforts.

Requires the coordinator to develop statewide search and rescue plans, establish mandatory training and certification programs, implement interagency communication protocols, and collect data on all incidents and outcomes.

Mandates annual reports to the legislature 60 days before each session detailing operations conducted, training activities, fund expenditures, and policy recommendations, with the Act taking effect July 1, 2026, and coordinator appointment required by January 1, 2027.