SB92 would create a new chapter in the Hawaii Revised Statutes focused on cardiac emergency response readiness in state buildings. It requires the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to install at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on each floor of every state building, including public schools, by January 1, 2026, unless a lease specifically prohibits AEDs. The bill also requires DAGS to notify emergency services providers about AED locations and types, develop a cardiac emergency response plan for sudden cardiac arrest and similar emergencies, and coordinate that plan with county emergency service provider protocols.
The bill further directs DAGS to provide CPR and AED training for its employees and for employees and security staff of the Office of the Governor, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, State Legislature, Department of Education, Department of Law Enforcement, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It requires periodic inspection and maintenance of AEDs and extends liability protections to people who use an AED or perform CPR under the chapter, referencing existing state immunity provisions. The bill also includes appropriations for installation, maintenance, and training, with the amounts left blank in the introduced version.
Impact
SB92 would expand state law by adding a new statutory framework governing AED placement, emergency response planning, training, and maintenance in state-owned or state-leased buildings occupied by state employees. It would place primary responsibility on DAGS to administer the program, adopt necessary rules, and coordinate with county emergency services. The bill would also affect public schools by including them within the definition of state buildings, and it would create ongoing state budget obligations through appropriations for equipment and training.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a public safety and preparedness initiative with a generally favorable policy posture. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support is documented here. The bill’s structure suggests an emphasis on proactive emergency response, interagency coordination, and staff readiness.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are practical and fiscal rather than ideological: the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining AEDs statewide; the administrative burden on DAGS and affected agencies; and the logistics of training large numbers of employees and security staff. Another possible issue is implementation in leased facilities where AEDs are prohibited by contract, since those buildings are exempted. Coordination with county emergency service providers and ensuring compliance across diverse state facilities, including schools, could also present operational challenges.