Hawaii-2025-HB902-Introduced

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	902
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaiian Electric Company's Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, implemented on July 1, 2024, aims to reduce wildfire risks by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas during specific weather conditions. While the PSPS program is critical for public safety, the program's implementation poses significant operational challenges for public schools. Currently, fifteen department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as vulnerable to PSPS events. These power outages may disrupt essential services, including communication systems, water access, meal programs, and accommodations for students and staff reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or assistive technologies.

The legislature further finds that maintaining school operations during PSPS events is vital to ensuring educational continuity, providing access to meals, and sustaining a sense of normalcy for students. This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where schools often serve as essential community hubs. To meet this need, schools must prepare for prolonged power outages by implementing measures such as backup power solutions, access to shelf-stable food and clean water, and fire safety protocols.

The legislature notes that the devastating wildfire in Lahaina in August 2023 underscored the importance of preparedness and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the impacts of emergencies. The United States Department of Education's after-action report highlighted areas for improvement, many of which align with the challenges posed by the PSPS program.

The legislature also notes that the department of education has implemented measures to support recovery and resilience for Maui schools affected by the Lahaina wildfire. These include monthly working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance, and community engagement. Funds from the federal Project School Emergency Response to Violence grant have been allocated for critical recovery efforts, including mental health services, transportation for displaced students, and substitute teachers to support staff well-being.

The legislature recognizes that lessons learned from the Lahaina wildfire and the department of education's subsequent actions provide a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of the PSPS program. However, additional funding is essential to implement long-term solutions, such as establishing regional hubs equipped with emergency supplies, procuring backup power sources, and providing comprehensive training for staff. These efforts will ensure schools can remain operational during PSPS events, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff while maintaining access to essential services. The legislature believes that further insight is needed on ways to support schools that may be impacted by the PSPS program, including:

(1) Assessing the viability of using alternative power solutions, such as generators and solar battery systems, for planned safety power shutoff identified schools;

(2) Establishing regional resource hubs equipped with essential supplies, including water, shelf-stable food, and backup communication tools, to ensure continuity of operations at and schools affected during power outages;

(3) Developing contingency plans to enable schools to remain open and safe during power outages and providing related training; and

(4) Enhancing fire safety measures and accommodations for students and employees with electricity-dependent needs.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to conduct a study on methods that will help support schools impacted by the Hawaiian Electric Company's Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff program.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the department of education to conduct a study on methods to support department schools that may be impacted by the Hawaiian Electric Company's Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff program.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________