Hawaii Senate Bill SCR192

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution directly impacts local environmental and public health regulations by emphasizing the need for regular maintenance of the Ulehawa Stream and Canal. It highlights the disproportionate burden placed on local communities, particularly those inhabited by Native Hawaiians, due to the lack of maintenance efforts, which raises concerns regarding environmental justice. This will potentially shift local governmental priorities towards improved management of waterways, focusing on community health and safety.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 192 requests the Department of Facility Maintenance of the City and County of Honolulu to perform quarterly dredging and cleaning of the Ulehawa Stream and Canal. This action is deemed essential for the health of the waterway and its surrounding ecosystem, as the Ulehawa Stream has faced significant blockages from sediment and debris over the years, leading to stagnant water and unpleasant odors that have affected the health of neighboring residents.

Contention

Notably, concerns arose regarding the Department of Facility Maintenance's capabilities, as they indicated that insufficient staffing hindered regular maintenance efforts. The lack of action on their part led to complaints from residents, indicating a critical oversight in meeting the needs of the community. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a permanent solution for sediment accumulation, which involves federal funding and support, highlighting the complexities involved in local environmental management.