Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR163

Introduced

3/11/22

Refer

3/14/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Prioritize Testing And Research Of Beach Sand Contamination Levels At Pokai Bay And Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Prioritize Renovations Of The Restroom Facilities At Pokai Bay.

Impact

The resolution also highlights the importance of developing a plan to improve water circulation at Pokai Bay, aiming to enhance water quality and mitigate the risks associated with contaminants. By focusing on these pollutants, the resolution seeks to address and potentially remedy ongoing environmental issues that have been reported over the past decade, including health problems like staph infections linked to polluted sand and water. This proactive approach implies that, if acted upon, it could lead to legislative changes concerning environmental health regulations in the area.

Summary

House Resolution 163 urges the Department of Health (DOH) of Hawaii to prioritize the testing and research of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) levels and other pollutants in the beach sand at Pokai Bay. Due to increasing concerns from beach users and local community members about the presence of health and environmental hazards stemming from pollution in Pokai Bay, the resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action. This beach is popular for its calm waters and sandy shores, but issues like runoff pollutants, illegal dumping, and user-induced contaminants raise significant health concerns.

Contention

While the resolution calls for collaboration among various state and county agencies to develop this plan, it does not specifically delineate how the results of testing will translate into policy changes or funding allocations. The demand for renovated restroom facilities at Pokai Bay is significant since current facilities may contribute to the pollution problem. Therefore, a clear timeline or strategy for these improvements is also a noted point of contention that may arise in discussions amongst government officials and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

HI HCR163

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Prioritize Testing And Research Of Beach Sand Contamination Levels At Pokai Bay And Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Prioritize Renovations Of The Restroom Facilities At Pokai Bay.

HI SCR235

Previously Filed As

HI HCR95

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HR79

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HR157

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HCR177

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HR209

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu's Department Of Transportation Services To Install Crosswalks In Kalama Valley.

HI HR77

Strongly Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Reconsider Using The Waipo Soccer Complex As Its Next Landfill Site.

HI SCR71

Urging The Department Of Education To Utilize Obligated Capital Improvement Project Funds And Other Funds For School Facilities And Prioritize Expenditures Based On Greatest Need.

HI SR59

Urging The Department Of Education To Utilize Obligated Capital Improvement Project Funds And Other Funds For School Facilities And Prioritize Expenditures Based On Greatest Need.

HI HCR59

Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Work With The Honolulu Police Department To Increase Enforcement Efforts Against Illegal Electric Bicycles And Dirt Bike Motorcycles To Make Sidewalks And Public Roadways Safer.

HI HCR143

Urging The Department Of Human Services, Department Of Health, And Judiciary To Prioritize Ensuring That Contracts For Government Services Are Adequately Resourced To Cover The Costs Of Providing Those Services.