THE SENATE
S.C.R. NO.
62
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE 911 BOARD TO ESTABLISH OR UTILIZE AN APPROPRIATE WORKING GROUP TO ENGAGE WITH THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS CONTINUING ACCESS ISSUES in the state’S EMERGENCY AND 911 RESPONSE SYSTEMS.
WHEREAS, access to reliable and effective emergency response services is a critical public safety function for all residents of the State; and
WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities, access needs, and other functional needs often face unique barriers when interacting with 911 systems, including communication limitations and challenges during emergency situations; and
WHEREAS, testimony provided on H.B. No. 1577, H.D. 1 (2026) (H.B. No. 1577), demonstrated that advance access by emergency responders to critical medical, mobility, and communication information can improve emergency response outcomes and save lives; and
WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities testified that providing first responders with medical, mobility, and communication information in advance allows them to understand the individuals' needs before arrival, reducing confusion, stress, and delays; and
WHEREAS, disability advocates emphasized that person‑centered emergency information promotes safety, dignity, and inclusion and ensures that emergency response systems meet individual needs; and
WHEREAS, H.B. No. 1577 proposed the establishment of a Statewide Emergency Safety Profile System Pilot Program and convening of a working group under the 911 Board; and
WHEREAS, the 911 Board, in its testimony on H.B. No. 1577, acknowledged the importance of enhanced emergency response systems but expressed concerns that many objectives proposed in the measure are already being achieved through existing systems and that additional statutory mandates may duplicate efforts and divert limited resources; and
WHEREAS, the 911 Board further raised concerns regarding vendor constraints, system integration differences across counties, and privacy considerations, suggesting that flexibility is necessary to address access issues for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, a working group established through a concurrent resolution provides a flexible and collaborative approach without imposing duplicative statutory requirements; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the 911 Board is requested to establish a new working group, or utilize an appropriate existing working group, to engage in continued dialogue with the disability community regarding access to emergency and 911 response systems; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group established or utilized by the 911 Board (working group) is requested to:
(1) Identify barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities;
(2) Evaluate existing emergency response technologies;
(3) Assess privacy and cybersecurity considerations;
(4) Consider best practices for voluntary and secure information sharing;
(5) Develop recommendations to improve accessibility and outcomes; and
(6) Facilitate coordination among stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to include representatives from the 911 Board, public safety agencies, disability advocacy organizations, individuals with lived experience, and other stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the 911 Board, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center of Hawaii, and Executive Administrator of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Report Title:
911 Board; Working Group; Individuals with Disabilities; Access; Emergency Response; Report