Hirono, Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Evacuation Route Planning in Hawaii, Across the Country

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to develop guidelines for state and local governments to improve emergency evacuation preparedness. The Emergency Vehicle and Community (EVAC) Planning Act would direct the Department of Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to develop and publicly disseminate guidance and best practices for states, territories, Tribes, and local governments to utilize when conducting transportation infrastructure planning.

“As natural disasters and extreme weather events—such as wildfires—become increasingly common in the U.S., it is crucial that our communities have effective, reliable emergency evacuation routes,” said Senator Hirono. “The Emergency Vehicle and Community Planning Act will help Hawaii, and states across the country, strengthen emergency preparedness efforts and develop infrastructure that prioritizes the safety of our communities.”

In recent years, wildfires have become increasingly intense and destructive across the United States. This legislation comes following the deadly Lahaina wildfires in Maui in 2023 where limited evacuation routes became heavily clogged, preventing victims from escaping the flames more quickly.

“When disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a critical role in immediate and long-term efforts to help our communities respond and recover,” said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties. “The bipartisan Emergency Vehicle and Community Planning Act would provide us with additional insights into developing and implementing evacuation routes to keep our residents safe before, during and after a disaster. We thank Senators Padilla, Cassidy, Schatz and Hirono for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.”

“The provision of guidelines to help communities implement emergency response protocols would not only help strengthen regional transportation planning efforts, but would also help bolster public safety in the event of a disaster. This exciting legislation also has great potential to improve long-term community economic recovery,” said Joe McKinney, Executive Director, National Association of Development Organizations.

The EVAC Planning Act is endorsed by the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and National Association of Counties (NACo).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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