Requesting The Department Of Health To Carry Out Widespread Soil Testing In Lahaina And To Develop A Soil Remediation Plan.
Impact
The resolution directs the Department of Health to assess various burn sites for toxins and contaminants and develop an actionable plan to address soil health issues resulting from the fires. This includes evaluating technologies useful in separating clean soil from contaminated soil, with a report due to the legislature by early 2025 that outlines findings, recommendations, expected costs, and timelines for remediation efforts. The passage of this resolution could catalyze critical soil health initiatives and environmental safety measures in Maui.
Summary
SCR222 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct widespread soil testing in Lahaina and develop a comprehensive soil remediation plan. This request follows the devastating wildfires that occurred in August 2023, which resulted in significant damage to over two thousand structures and posed threats to human health and the environment due to potential soil contamination caused by toxic substances from the burned materials.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR222 appears predominantly positive, with legislators recognizing the urgency to address potential health hazards from wildfire impacts on soil. The intergovernmental collaboration emphasized in the resolution indicates a strong communal effort to ensure that the contamination issues are adequately managed and that communities are supported in their recovery efforts. However, there may still be underlying concerns regarding the effectiveness, funding, and timeliness of the proposed remediation plans.
Contention
As the bill progresses, the primary points of contention could arise around the implementation of the testing and remediation processes, particularly regarding funding for these initiatives. Stakeholders may question how swiftly the Department of Health can mobilize resources, ensure accurate testing, and develop effective remediation strategies while maintaining public health. Any delays or inadequacies in these processes could lead to heated discussions as affected communities seek immediate action and assurance of their safety.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, And County Of Maui To Inventory And Map Existing R-1 Water Delivery Systems And Reservoirs In Maui County.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development And County Of Maui To Inventory And Map Existing R-1 Water Delivery Systems And Reservoirs In Maui County.
Requesting The Office Of The Governor To Convene A Working Group To Plan For The Remediation Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (pfas) In The State.
Urging The Federal Government To Reimburse Hawaii For Debris Removal, The Dredging Of Toxic Materials, And Other Environmental Cleanup Efforts In Lahaina Harbor.
Requesting The Office Of The Governor To Convene A Working Group To Plan For The Remediation Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (pfas) In The State.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Collaborate With Federal, State, And County Governments; Landowners; And Stakeholders To Protect, Restore, And Manage The West Maui Wetlands And Wetlands Statewide.
Urging State Departments To Require Households Impacted By The Lahaina Fires To Exhaust Their Insurance Policies Before Requesting Financial Support From The State.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Grant Program In Collaboration With The University Of Hawaii.
Urging The Federal Government To Reimburse Hawaii For Debris Removal, The Dredging Of Toxic Materials, And Other Environmental Cleanup Efforts In Lahaina Harbor.