Hawaii House Bill HB319

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To Health.

Impact

The legislation mandates the creation of a comprehensive registry for individuals who ingested or came into contact with contaminated water. It ensures ongoing outreach to these residents to monitor health impacts, including potential long-term effects. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of coordinating with federal agencies to maximize resources and information sharing regarding health outcomes linked to the contamination. Through this program, the state seeks to provide essential support and information to affected residents while also encouraging efforts for cost recovery from responsible governmental entities.

Summary

House Bill 319 aims to address the health impacts resulting from a significant petroleum release at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Oahu, operated by the United States Navy. In November 2021, approximately 14,000 gallons of fuel were released, contaminating a key drinking water source for the local population and leading to health issues for residents. This bill establishes a comprehensive program within the Department of Health to track and monitor the health effects caused by this incident on affected individuals, emphasizing the need for accountability and support for those impacted by the contamination.

Contention

Although the bill aims to provide critical support and monitoring for those affected by the contamination, it may face contention regarding privacy concerns related to the health data collected, as well as the effectiveness of the program in truly capturing the extent of health implications. Critics may question the adequacy of resources allocated for the program, especially given the scale of the issue and the potential for long-lasting effects. Additionally, discussions surrounding the accountability of the Navy and related federal entities in managing the aftermath of the spill could be a focal point for debate as the Bill moves forward.