SB3140 makes a narrow administrative change to the law governing the State Fire Council. It amends section 132-18(c), Hawaii Revised Statutes, so that the council’s budgetary requirements for meetings and related functions, including the salaries of the administrator and administrative assistant, are placed in the budget of the Department of Law Enforcement instead of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
The bill does not appear to change the substantive duties of the State Fire Council itself. Rather, it shifts which state department is responsible for supporting and budgeting the council’s administrative staffing and operating expenses. The measure takes effect upon approval and was enacted as Act 060 on May 29, 2026.
Impact
The bill amends Hawaii’s statutory framework for the State Fire Council by replacing the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with the Department of Law Enforcement as the department charged with including the council’s administrative and meeting-related costs in its budget. This affects state administrative budgeting and oversight responsibilities, but it does not alter the council’s core powers, membership, or fire-safety policy functions. The practical impact is on the departments involved, the council’s administrator and administrative assistant positions, and the state budgeting process.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad, bipartisan support and little controversy. The bill passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee unanimously, cleared Senate Ways and Means unanimously, and was later adopted by both conference committees with no recorded opposition. No committee transcripts were provided, but the unanimous votes and final enactment indicate general agreement that the change was administrative and noncontroversial.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the record provided. The only substantive issue reflected in the bill text is the reassignment of budget responsibility from DLIR to DLE, which may have implications for agency jurisdiction and administrative oversight. However, the unanimous committee votes and conference approval suggest that any concerns about the transfer were minimal or resolved without recorded dissent.
Requesting That The Office Of The State Fire Marshal And The State Fire Council Clearly Define Stages Of Wildfire Suppression And Related Efforts In The Hawaii State Fire Code.
Requesting That The Office Of The State Fire Marshal And The State Fire Council Clearly Define Stages Of Wildfire Suppression And Related Efforts In The Hawaii State Fire Code.