HI HR142

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) is requested to identify and assess all emergency shelters in the state for their ability to withstand hurricane conditions, specifically at least Category 1 hurricane-force winds.

HIEMA must compile and publish a public list of shelters showing locations and hurricane resilience capabilities to help residents make informed evacuation decisions.

The agency is directed to develop recommendations for improving statewide hurricane shelter capacity, including potential retrofits or upgrades to existing facilities.

A report of findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.

The resolution cites Hawaii's vulnerability to hurricanes and notes that current emergency shelters in schools, community centers, and public buildings may not have been designed to withstand hurricane-force winds.