Hawaii Senate Bill SB3098

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22
• Report Pass: 2/2/22
• Refer: 2/2/22
• Report Pass: 2/18/22
• Engrossed: 2/22/22
• Refer: 3/10/22
• Report Pass: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22
• Report Pass: 4/8/22
• Enrolled: 4/21/22
• Chaptered: 5/6/22
• Passed: 5/6/22

Caption

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Education For Lead Abatement.

Impact

If passed, SB3098 would significantly impact the Department of Education's ability to maintain safe school environments by ensuring that lead abatement measures are prioritized and funded. This appropriation represents a proactive approach to addressing a serious health hazard that could affect educational outcomes and overall student well-being. The funding will be available for the fiscal year 2021-2022 and will specifically target elementary schools that require urgent modifications to their plumbing systems to reduce lead levels in drinking water.

Summary

SB3098, also known as the Emergency Appropriation for Lead Abatement at Department of Education Elementary Schools, seeks to allocate $1,850,000 to address lead contamination issues in Hawaii's public school facilities. The bill is driven by the findings from the Environmental Protection Agency, indicating that some schools have plumbing fixtures that release lead into drinking water, posing a significant health risk to students and staff. By facilitating necessary repairs and replacements, the bill aims to enhance the safety of educational environments and protect children's health, especially given that there is no known safe level of lead in blood as per federal guidelines.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB3098 is largely positive, especially among advocates for public health and children's safety. Supporters argue that timely and adequate funding for lead abatement is critical to fostering a safe learning environment. While there might be some concerns about budget allocations and potential delays in implementing these measures, the general consensus is that this bill addresses an urgent need that benefits public health. Stakeholders in education and health sectors are likely to support its passage to mitigate the risks associated with lead exposure.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB3098 could relate to the allocation of funds and the potential for bureaucratic delays in implementation. Critics may argue that while the need for lead abatement is obvious, there could be challenges in disbursing the funds effectively and ensuring that the repairs are executed in a timely manner. There may also be discussions about whether the amount requested is sufficient to cover all necessary lead abatement actions across the affected schools, and how future funding will be secured to maintain safe educational facilities in the long term.