Hawaii Senate Bill SB2290

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

Relating To Waste Disposal Facilities.

Impact

The bill prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of waste disposal facilities for hazardous or solid waste on land above or near significant aquifers. This policy change aims to safeguard the freshwater supplies that serve local populations, ensuring that new waste disposal facilities do not threaten these vital water sources. It reinforces existing laws that establish buffer zones around residential areas and sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, further bolstering public health and environmental safety initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 2290 aims to address the critical issue of waste disposal facilities in relation to the protection of Oahu's freshwater aquifers. The bill draws its urgency from past environmental contamination events, notably the 2021 jet fuel leak that compromised the Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system, highlighting the fragility of Hawaii's water resources. This legislative proposal comes as the city and county of Honolulu is tasked with relocating the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill by 2028, and concerns have arisen about the potential negative impacts of landfill locations on freshwater sources.

Contention

The proposed legislation is likely to face scrutiny given the balance between community waste management needs and environmental protection. The potential for limited landfill options could spark debates about the adequacy of current waste disposal strategies, especially as existing facilities near capacity and alternative sites pose ecological risks. Advocates for the bill support its intent to prioritize water safety, while opponents may argue it complicates the urgent need for waste management solutions amid growing urban pressures.