Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR2

Introduced
1/26/22  
Refer
1/28/22  
Report Pass
3/28/22  
Refer
3/28/22  
Report Pass
4/7/22  

Caption

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense To Prepare A Plan To Decommission The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Store Its Fuel Away From The Southern Oahu Basal Aquifer In A Manner Compliant With Federal And State Law, Prepare A Plan To Establish A New Water Treatment Facility, Pay For All Costs To The State, And Comply With All Future Remediation Efforts.

Impact

If implemented, HR2 would significantly enhance the safeguarding of Hawaii's water resources by addressing ongoing pollution concerns tied to the Red Hill facility. Given that the facility was linked to substantial water contamination incidents leading to health issues among residents, the bill seeks not only to mitigate the risk of future leaks but also aims to restore community confidence in the safety and integrity of local water sources. This legislation is critical to ensuring both ecological and public health standards are upheld in Hawaii.

Summary

House Resolution 2 (HR2) from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii requests the United States Department of Defense to prepare a comprehensive plan for the decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The resolution emphasizes the need to store any remaining fuel away from the Southern Oahu Basal Aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking water for the region, in compliance with state and federal law. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of a new water treatment facility and demands that the Department of Defense cover all associated costs and comply with future remediation efforts regarding the site.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR2 appears largely supportive among environmental advocates and local residents who have been impacted by the water contamination crisis. There is a strong call from the community for accountability and improved management from the United States Navy regarding its operations at the Red Hill facility. However, sentiments may be mixed among stakeholders who might view the decommissioning process as an administrative burden or economic drawback due to potential disruptions during remediation efforts.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around HR2 focus on the accountability of the U.S. Navy, the adequacy of proposed remediation measures, and the costs associated with the decommissioning process. There are concerns regarding whether the Navy can effectively manage the cleanup and protect public health while restoring trust with local communities. The bill reflects a broader struggle over how military operations impact local environments and the necessity for stringent measures to prevent ecological disaster.

Companion Bills

HI HCR6

Same As Requesting The United States Department Of Defense To Prepare A Plan To Decommission The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Store Its Fuel Away From The Southern Oahu Basal Aquifer In A Manner Compliant With Federal And State Law, Prepare A Plan To Establish A New Water Treatment Facility, Pay For All Costs To The State, And Comply With All Future Remediation Efforts.

Previously Filed As

HI HR214

Congratulating Vice Admiral John Wade On His Success As The Commander Of The Joint Task Force-red Hill In Defueling The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

HI HB2691

Relating To The Red Hill Remediation Authority.

HI SB3339

Relating To The Red Hill Remediation Authority.

HI HB1511

Relating To Water Resources.

HI HB1443

Relating To The Red Hill Fuel Tanks.

HI SB3338

Relating To Water.

HI HB319

Relating To Health.

HI HB2690

Relating To Water.

HI SB2290

Relating To Waste Disposal Facilities.

HI SB388

Relating To Waste Disposal Facilities.

Similar Bills

HI HCR6

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense To Prepare A Plan To Decommission The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Store Its Fuel Away From The Southern Oahu Basal Aquifer In A Manner Compliant With Federal And State Law, Prepare A Plan To Establish A New Water Treatment Facility, Pay For All Costs To The State, And Comply With All Future Remediation Efforts.

HI HR80

Urging The Department Of Defense And The Secretary Of Defense To Release Reports On The Defueling Progress Regarding The Red Hill Fuel Tanks Every Week Until Completion.

HI HR4

Establishing The House Special Committee On Red Hill To Address Issues Related To The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Water Contamination And Remediation, And All Related Impacts.

HI HR9

Establishing The House Special Committee On Red Hill To Address Issues Related To The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Water Contamination And Remediation, And All Related Impacts.

HI SB1634

Relating To Water Resources.

HI HB1367

Relating To Water Resources.

HI HB1511

Relating To Water Resources.

HI HB1511

Relating To Water Resources.