Report Title:

Public Shelters; General Obligation Bonds

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to increase the number of public shelters by retrofitting public buildings with the installation of hurricane protective measures. (SD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

344

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to public shelters.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes that there is a severe shortage of hurricane shelter space in Hawaii and the public looks to the State and the counties to open public buildings as shelters during hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong winds. Not all public buildings are designated as shelters because they do not meet modern standards for the design and construction of community shelters, although such buildings may actually be used as shelters in times of emergency due to the shortage of shelter space. It is the intent of this legislature to increase the number of shelters available in Hawaii and to the greatest extent possible, retrofit public buildings in accordance with modern standards.

The legislature finds that the installation of hurricane protective measures on public buildings will help reduce the severe shortfall in hurricane shelter space and serve a public purpose by preserving and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and visitors of this State.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $4,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for fiscal year 2003-2004 for the purpose of increasing the number of public shelters available by retrofitting public buildings with hurricane protective measures.

SECTION 3. The appropriation made for the capital improvement projects authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2006, shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of defense for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. The department of defense shall coordinate all work performed pursuant to this Act with the state or county agency having responsibility for the repair, maintenance and upkeep of any public building to be retrofitted.

SECTION 6. Any portion of the appropriations may be used for the purpose of matching federal hazard mitigation funds if these funds become available for use in retrofitting public

buildings with hurricane protective measures.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.