"These new laws are part of the state's long-term commitment to ensure Hawaii is prepared before an emergency occurs, and that we are able to promptly respond to disasters in order to save lives and protect property," said Governor Lingle.
The four emergency disaster preparedness bills signed by the Governor are:
HB1721 HD1 SD2 (Act 79) - Crimes, Violence Against Emergency Medical Services Personnel
This new law adds violence or the threat of violence against emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to the offenses of assault in the second degree and terrorist threatening in the first degree. Assault in the second degree is a class C felony with up to five years imprisonment and/or a maximum $10,000 fine. Terroristic threatening in the first degree is also a class C felony.
The measure, which takes effect immediately, complements a law (Act 116 HSL 2006) the Governor enacted last year that increased criminal penalties for crimes committed during a state civil defense emergency, including crimes against law enforcement officials, active duty military, National Guard and civil defense personnel who are carrying out their duties during an emergency. The enactment of Act 79 comes as the state and nation observe Emergency Medical Services Week (May 20-26, 2007).
This measure, introduced as part of the Administration's legislative package, appropriates $2 million out of the Loss Mitigation Grant Fund for fiscal year 2007 - 2008 to encourage homeowners to install wind-resistive measures including the construction of residential safe rooms. Under Act 80, homeowners are eligible for grants reimbursing 35 percent of costs incurred for wind-resistive measures up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,100 per dwelling. This law takes effect on July 1, 2007.
SB1425 SD2 HD1 CD1 (Act 81) - Contractor Licensing During a State of Emergency
This new law allows out-of-state contractors to help with disaster recovery during an emergency. Act 81 authorizes the Contractors License Board to issue emergency licenses after the Governor declares an emergency to contractors licensed in another state and who are in good standing. The out-of-state contractor would be required to show proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. The measure, which was included in the Administration's legislative package, takes effect immediately.
SB795 SD2 HD1 CD1 (Act 82) - Integrated State Building Code
Act 82 creates a nine-member State Building Code Council to work with the counties to adopt a statewide building code that includes hurricane resistive design standards. In addition, the code will include the most recent fire code, uniform plumbing code, and the international building code.
The council members will include a building official from each county, a member of the State Fire Council, a waste disposal technician from the Department of Health, an elevator or fire safety expert from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, a member of the Structural Engineers Association and a member of the American Institute of Architects.
The State Building Code Council will be administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2007.
Read a copy of the proclamation.
