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Senators back funding to study Hawaii First Responders Memorial (SB998); Government Operations to record vote later
Summary
PSM voted to pass SB998 as-is; the measure would appropriate funds to DAGS to hire a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. Government Operations will vote when it reconvenes on Feb. 4, 2025.
Senators on the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs voted on Jan. 31, 2025 to pass SB998 as introduced. The bill would appropriate funds to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to hire a consultant to evaluate potential locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial.
Keith Regan, Comptroller, DAGS, stood on written testimony in support. Written support came from multiple municipal and county officials and public-safety leaders, including Radian Cordero, floor leader of the Honolulu City Council; Jason Pablo, Administrative Battalion Chief, County of Kauai Fire Department; and Mike Frome, Managing Director for the City and County of Honolulu. Kamakana Kaimorua testified on behalf of the United Public Workers (UPW) and registered support. Eddie Fujioka submitted written opposition.
At the PSM decision-making roll call, the committee recorded no opposition and passed SB998 as-is. The Committee on Government Operations did not have a quorum during the joint hearing earlier and will take its recorded vote when it reconvenes on Feb. 4, 2025.
Why it matters: the measure would fund a consultant study and does not itself select a site or authorize construction; it initiates a design evaluation and site-selection process via DAGS.
Next steps: if GVO records the same recommendation, the measure will move forward to subsequent legislative steps and any appropriation language will be reflected in budget documents as required.
