Chapter 07 Disaster and Emergency Management

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D ISASTER AND E MERGENCY M ANAGEMENT § 7-1-2 Section 7-1-2. Agency organization. The civil defense agency shall perform emergency management functions pursuant to chapter 127A and chapter 128A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and shall consist of the following: (1) The head of the civil defense agency, who shall be the mayor of the County. (2) A full-time civil defense administrator, who shall be responsible for administrative functions and emergency management operations during non- emergency periods and, within the delegated scope of authority, have all the duties and responsibilities of the mayor during declared emergencies. (3) Sufficient staff to carry out the duties and functions of the agency. (4) The employees and resources of all County departments, agencies, and offices in emergency management activities as needed. (5) Non-governmental organizations offering emergency management services pursuant to an agreement with the County, or accepted by the County when no agreement exists. (2022, ord 22-103, sec 3; am 2025, ord 25-90, sec 1.)7-1-2 Section 7-1-3. Civil defense administrator; appointment; qualifications. (a) The civil defense administrator shall have a minimum of three years of responsible administrative experience in emergency management, disaster planning, homeland security, or public safety services management. (b) The civil defense administrator shall be appointed by the mayor and may be removed by the mayor in accordance with chapter 76 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. (c) In the event of a vacancy, the mayor may convene a selection advisory panel consisting of the fire chief and chief of police to evaluate qualified applicants. The mayor shall appoint an administrator within sixty days of the position becoming vacant. (2025, ord 25-90, sec 2.)7-1-3 Section 7-1-4. Duties; functions. The civil defense agency shall: (1) Organize, administer, and operationalize a comprehensive emergency management program that includes prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery operations within the County; (2) Facilitate development and maintenance of all plans necessary to ensure preparedness, emergency management, hazard mitigation, and continuity of operations; (3) Maintain liaison with all State and Federal emergency management agencies and ensure necessary systems are established to receive State and Federal funds during times of disaster or emergency; (4) Manage the emergency operations center as the central coordinating entity during major disasters or emergencies; SUPP. 19 (1-2026) 7-3