Hawaii House Bill HCR106

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Dredge And Clean The Ulehawa Stream And Canal.

Impact

If enacted, HCR106 calls for the dredging of the Ulehawa Stream and Canal on a quarterly basis, suggesting a significant change in maintenance practices given the history of inadequate upkeep. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of cooperation with federal entities, specifically urging the Army Corps of Engineers to assist in creating a permanent solution for sediment management and health safety. Additionally, it advocates for regular water quality testing conducted by the Department of Health to monitor the ecological and public health conditions resulting from the current state of the waterways.

Summary

HCR106 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of 2023. The resolution requests the Department of Facility Maintenance of the City and County of Honolulu to initiate regular dredging and cleaning of the Ulehawa Stream and Canal. This stream is critical as it affects the local ecosystem, public health, and is subjected to significant sediment accumulation and litter which have raised concerns among residents along its banks. The Ulehawa Stream lies adjacent to a major landfill, exacerbating the pollution issues faced by the local community, particularly in areas predominantly inhabited by Native Hawaiian residents.

Contention

The resolution reflects growing concerns about environmental justice, highlighting how certain communities are disproportionately affected by neglect regarding waterway maintenance. Over two decades of complaints have been voiced regarding the poor condition of the Ulehawa Canal, leading to health issues among residents. Discussions surrounding HCR106 may also touch upon the jurisdictional challenges related to permits that the Department of Facility Maintenance needs to secure, presenting a potential bottleneck in the execution of the proposed actions. The resolution asserts that neglect of this ecosystem places unnecessary burdens on tax-paying residents, making it a pressing legislative priority.