HI HB2443

Adds disability and access-and-functional-needs integration to the designated functions of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, requiring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in all phases of disaster planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

Establishes a Disability Integration Specialist position within the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, exempt from civil service requirements, to coordinate disability-related emergency planning and advise on accessibility best practices.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the new specialist position and for disability community projects such as shelter accessibility improvements, accessible public service announcements, and shelter staff training programs.

Responds to challenges documented during the August 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, where shelters lacked physical accessibility, disability-trained staff, and coordinated resources for individuals with medical and functional needs.

Notes that one in five Hawaii residents has a disability and that American Sign Language users are not covered under existing language access laws, creating a gap the new position is designed to address.