HI HB357

Appropriates unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to strengthen existing hurricane shelters and develop new shelters capable of withstanding category five hurricanes

Office of the Governor will administer the funds in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

Current refuge areas in Hawaii can only accommodate approximately 100,000 people, while the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management estimates 200,000 people would need shelter during a hurricane

Few existing shelters in Hawaii meet legitimate hurricane shelter criteria, with most unable to withstand even a category two hurricane

Takes effect July 1, 2025