RELATING TO EDUCATION.

HB902

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:

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SECTION
1.
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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.
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While the PSPS program is critical for public
safety, the program's implementation poses significant operational challenges
for public schools.
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Currently, fifteen
department of education schools and one public charter school are identified as
vulnerable to PSPS events.
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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.

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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.
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This is especially critical for students in remote or rural areas, where
schools often serve as essential community hubs.
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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.
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These include monthly
working group meetings to address fire mitigation, hazardous brush clearance,
and community engagement.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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The legislature believes that further insight
is needed on ways to support schools that may be impacted by the PSPS program,
including:

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

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(2)
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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;

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

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

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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.

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SECTION
2.
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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.

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The sums

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

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department
of Education; Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff; Hawaiian Electric Company;
Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates
funds 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 summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.