Hawaii Senate Bill SB1584

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Transparency.

Impact

The implementation of SB1584 would require federal and state entities, including the EPA, Navy, and the Defense Logistics Agency, to draft a new consent order that aligns with transparency mandates. This new order must involve community oversight to ensure that local voices are included in the decision-making process. The bill also emphasizes that individuals reporting on threats to public safety connected to the storage facility will be protected from civil or criminal liability. If enacted, this could significantly reshape how environmental safety information is communicated and managed between government departments and the public, restoring trust in government actions regarding environmental health.

Summary

Senate Bill 1584 seeks to enhance transparency regarding the operations and oversight of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii. The bill explicitly nullifies any nondisclosure clauses within agreements made by government agencies that prevent parties from disclosing information crucial to public safety. This is particularly relevant in light of the previous management by the United States Navy and associated agencies, which has been criticized for incompetence and lack of accountability in addressing serious incidents of leakage and contamination that threaten local water supplies and public health. With this bill, the Hawaii state legislature aims to rectify the opacity surrounding negotiations related to the facility's defueling and closure.

Contention

Controversies surrounding SB1584 primarily stem from the inadequacies of the proposed 2023 Consent Order, which would allow the Navy and federal agencies to continue 'business as usual' without substantial public engagement or accountability. Critics argue that the previous agreement lacked enforceable public safety measures and deadlines. Moreover, concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known carcinogens used in fire suppression materials affecting local water supplies, highlight the urgency for community involvement in safeguarding environmental health. The legislative discourse underscores a pivotal shift towards demanding transparency and community inclusion in governmental oversight of critical environmental issues.