Requesting A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing An Environmental Protection Agency-certified Laboratory In Hawaii To Test Drinking Water Samples For Toxic Chemicals And Other Contaminants.
Impact
Should this resolution lead to action, it would significantly enhance Hawaii's capacity for local water testing, potentially improving public health responses. The establishment of an EPA-certified laboratory would allow for quicker identification of water quality issues, which is crucial during emergencies. The feasibility study is expected to consider the initial and annual operational costs of such a laboratory, as well as the optimal organizational structures and potential hosting entities.
Summary
HCR18 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, requesting a study on the feasibility of establishing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified laboratory in Hawaii to test drinking water samples for toxic chemicals and contaminants. This initiative is prompted by the Red Hill water crisis, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of Hawaii's aquifers and the health risks posed by contaminated drinking water. Currently, Hawaii lacks an in-state laboratory capable of conducting these critical tests, necessitating the transport of samples to California, which can delay results and pose logistical challenges.
Contention
The main contention surrounding HCR18 revolves around the state's ability to efficiently respond to public health threats related to drinking water. Opponents of the current process of transporting samples out of state argue that it is not only time-consuming but also a risk to public health due to potential sample degradation. By contrast, the proposed solution of a local facility aims to mitigate these risks, though discussions on the costs and logistical implementations of establishing such a facility will be crucial to address any concerns from stakeholders.
Same As
Requesting A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing An Environmental Protection Agency-certified Laboratory In Hawaii To Test Drinking Water Samples For Toxic Chemicals And Other Contaminants.
Requesting Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Urge Congress To Fund Construction Of A Laboratory Certified By The Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Information To The Public On Environmental Toxins In The State.
Requesting Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Urge Congress To Fund Construction Of A Laboratory Certified By The Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Information To The Public On Environmental Toxins In The State.
Requesting Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Urge Congress To Fund Construction Of A Laboratory Certified By The Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Information To The Public On Environmental Toxins In The State.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center To Conduct A Feasibility Study On New Technologies Related To Cesspool Water Remediation, Which May Include Organic Biodegradable Water Clarifiers.
Urging Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Take All Actions Necessary And Proper To Cause The United States Congress To Fund The Construction And Commencement Of Operations Of A Laboratory Certified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Analyze Environmental Toxins In The State And Publish The Results To The Public.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center To Conduct A Feasibility Study On New Technologies Related To Cesspool Water Remediation, Which May Include Organic Biodegradable Water Clarifiers.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Feasibility Study On The Implementation Of Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies In Waste Combustion Facilities And Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Grant Program In Collaboration With The University Of Hawaii.
Requesting A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing An Environmental Protection Agency-certified Laboratory In Hawaii To Test Drinking Water Samples For Toxic Chemicals And Other Contaminants.
Relating to the administration of the Voluntary Remediation and Redevelopment Act to provide new liability protections for persons and companies who wish to purchase and redevelop former industrial properties.