HI SB2938

Establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to provide centralized oversight of search and rescue operations across the state's 750 miles of coastline and 3.8 million acres of undeveloped land.

Designates participating agencies including the departments of Defense, Land and Natural Resources, Attorney General, Law Enforcement, and all county fire, police, and emergency services departments to coordinate with federal agencies and volunteer teams.

Creates a Search and Rescue Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations for operations, equipment, training programs, and public education initiatives.

Requires the coordinator to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing incident summaries, training activities, fund expenditures, and policy recommendations at least 60 days before each regular session.

Takes effect July 1, 2525, with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator required to hire the coordinator by January 1, 2027.