Hawaii House Bill HR101

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

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

If implemented, HR101 could have significant implications for state laws regarding environmental health and public safety. The resolution encourages a comprehensive examination of fecal indicator bacteria levels and other pollutants. By prioritizing this testing as part of the non-point source pollution program, the DOH is expected to develop better oversight and stronger preventive measures against contamination, improving both environmental standards and public health in the area.

Summary

House Resolution 101 urges the Department of Health (DOH) of Hawaii to prioritize testing and research concerning beach sand contamination levels at Pokai Bay. It highlights Pokai Bay as a heavily visited site on Oahu's Leeward Coast, known for its sandy beach and calm waters, which are at risk from pollution and contaminants. The resolution acknowledges the health and environmental hazards that have been reported by local community members and beach users over the last decade, attributing these issues to various sources of pollution such as runoff, illegal dumping, and the presence of contaminants from local activities.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the responsibility for pollution control and maintenance of public spaces. The resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize renovations of restroom facilities at Pokai Bay, which has been identified as a source of contamination. This may lead to discussions about funding, responsibility for public health maintenance, and the extent of local government involvement in pollution management. Furthermore, the need for improved water circulation to enhance environmental quality introduces a technical challenge that requires coordination among multiple governmental agencies.