WTH? via Sara Witt A COMPROMISE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES could occur if a bill pertaining to emergency management passes the state Legislature, according to a statement on the Hawai`i Senate Minority website. HB849 HD2 SD2’s stated purpose is recodify Hawai`i’s emergency management statutes by “updating the statutes, clarifing the relationship between the state and county emergency management agencies and delineating the emergency management functions and powers of the governor and mayors.” In his testimony supporting the bill, Darryl Oliveira, Director of Hawai`i County’s Civil Defense Agency, said the bill would provide more power to the counties and clarify the powers of the governor and mayors, “simplify the law by placing all emergency management authorities in one chapter of the HRS” and establish the Emergency Specialist Reserve Corps, “a low-cost surge staff to assist state and local government during emergencies … recruited from community members … fully trained and ready to respond during a disaster.” The Senate Minority statement says that, “despite a long list of good intentions and numerous supporters, House Bill 849 is a dangerous bill.” Sen. Sam Slom Photo from Hawai`i Senate Minority “Specifically,” the statement says, “civil liberties may not be observed if an emergency is declared; compulsory immunizations and quarantines can be required; personal property can be ‘redistributed;’ electronic media transmissions can be suspended; even county laws can be suspended. If someone is accused of ‘hoarding,’ all emergency supplies may be taken by the government. The governor can declare any person, place, or situation a ‘public nuisance,’ authorizing entry to private property without the owner’s permission. Any members of the military or National Guard who are called to assist civil authorities ‘engaged in emergency functions, can’t be held responsible, criminally or civilly for damage caused ‘in pursuance of duty.’ The public right to gather may be restricted. Forced evacuations are permitted.” When the House bill went to the Senate for consideration, Republican Sen. Sam Slom was the only legislator who voted against it. See senateminority.wordpress. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook/kaucalendar.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 02:48:45 +0000
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