b"HEMA2024 State ReportcontinuedMental Health Lahaina Wildfire RecoveryTo continue to address the challenges with serving Hawai'is increasing homeless population that often are related to mentalIn addition to Hawaiis health issues, Governor Green also signed HB 2159 (Act 87, SLH~$1Bn appropriation 2024). This legislation amends Hawai'is mental health statutefor the Lahaina wildfire re-to emphasize enhanced support for individuals needing assistedcovery and support services, community treatment (ACT). These changes, which require FEMA along with federal the Department of the Attorney General to assist in preparing partners are reportedly on and filing petitions for ACT, are designed to facilitate access totrack to provide an additional mental health services. It is believed this will enable those Maui County $3Bn towards the wildfire re-within treatment to avoid the criminal justice system, whilecovery that shall support thepromoting a more compassionate and effective approach to expedited debris removal/mental health care in Hawai'i.disposal, school construction, Renewable Energy infrastructure repair, and House Bill 2390 was passed that requires the Hawaii Publictemporary housing. In addi-Utilities Commission to explicitly consider the effect of Hawai'istion, FEMA has established reliance on fossil fuels on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions andIndividual Assistance and Public Assistance programs to support gives the commission the discretion to waive a lifecycle green- community efforts that are focused on long-term recovery.house gas emissions assessment for energy projects that do notMaui County has reported the debris removal at 100% of the involve combustion. residential properties and 60% of the commercial properties Several measures and resolutions were introduced during 2024 destroyed by the wildfire. Furthermore, approximately 3,100 to establish and expand a tax credit to produce renewable dieseldamaged or destroyed vehicles have been removed, while another and sustainable aviation fuel. Although legislation wasnt adopted140 damaged or destroyed boats/vessels have been removed from regarding these measures, the House and Senate have subse- Lahaina Harbor. The debris removal is projected to be complete quently adopted resolutions requesting the Hawaii State Energyin early 2025 and its total cost to approach $1Bn.Office to convene a renewable liquid fuels working group toThe temporary housing solution of modular homes is underway, study local production, development and incentives for renewablewith one such community development of approximately 500 liquid fuels. homes being completed on a hillside above Lahaina. This devel-opment will be completed in phases over approximately eight 2024 Primary Elections months, and Lahaina residents displaced by the wildfire began moving into these homes in August 24.The Primary Election on August 10, 2024resulted inThe residential building permit process has reportedly been the defeat of Speaker Saiki, who has held a significant leadershipstreamlined to facilitate the delivery of building permits within position in the State House of Representatives since 2018. As aapproximately 15 days (from a prior estimated timeframe of 300 result, it is anticipated this may generate political dynamics in thedays). As of July 24, 31 disaster recovery permits for residential Hawaii State Legislature, particularly the House of Representa- structures had been issued, with another 61 under current review. tives and its committees.As a further outcome of this change in leadership in the HEMA 2nd Vice PresidentHouse of Representatives, subject matters such as theredevelopment of Kakaako Makai, recreational marijuana, As HEMA currently has a vacancyfor its 2nd Vice and gaming, which have previously been supported in the President Officer position, I will be nominating the replacement Senate but opposed in the House, may generate renewedcandidate for consideration at HEMAs fall board meeting. and significant interest in the 2025 session.Capitol City of Honolulu Hawai'iS32 www.wpma.com / Fall 2024"