THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
23 |
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
requesting the state to include in its list of first responders a network of organizations contracted to immediately provide food, beverages, and ice to citizens during a natural disaster.
WHEREAS, Hawaii faces an elevated risk of harm from natural disasters primarily because of the State's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and the detrimental effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, in the event of a natural disaster, Hawaii's residents need to be adequately supplied with food and supplies because aid may not be immediately available; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Department of Defense
recommends that residents have an emergency preparedness kit that has at least
fourteen days of food, water, and medications, among other necessities, in
preparation for a hurricane, tsunami, or other natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Department of Defense
specifically recommends one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and
sanitation; and
WHEREAS, while first responders provide valuable
assistance at the scene of a disaster, these specialized workers are generally
paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters,
rescuers, and other specially trained individuals who are not required or
equipped to provide large amounts of food, water, and medications to residents;
and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State to proactively
prepare for natural disasters, including by securing a strong network of relief
supply organizations to ensure that affected residents have access to food,
water, and supplies; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2018, that the State is requested to include in its list of first responders a network of organizations contracted to immediately provide food, beverages, and ice to residents during a natural disaster; and
BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is requested to:
(1) Develop a list of organizations willing to
contract with the State to immediately provide food, beverages, and ice to residents
during a natural disaster; and
(2) Submit the list of organizations with the Agency's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2019; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Adjutant General, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator and Executive Officer, Director of Transportation, the Mayors of each of the counties, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii.
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OFFERED BY: |
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First Responders; Food and Supplies Distribution; Disaster Response