Requesting A Commitment To A Nuclear-free, Sustainable Future.
The resolution articulates specific risks associated with nuclear energy, particularly focusing on Hawaii's unique challenges as an isolated island chain. It asserts that the transport of nuclear fuel poses significant hazards, which, in the event of an accident, could severely impact Hawaii's marine environment and tourism-dependent economy. Additionally, it is noted that siting a nuclear power plant in Hawaii is rendered impossible by the emergency planning requirements and geological instability, including earthquake and tsunami risks, further advocating against the adoption of nuclear energy.
House Resolution 89 requests that the State of Hawaii commit to a nuclear-free and sustainable future, firmly aligning with the state's constitutional prohibition against nuclear power without legislative approval. The resolution emphasizes the long-standing public opposition to nuclear energy within Hawaii, presenting this commitment as a protective measure for the health and safety of residents. It highlights existing local ordinances that have already banned nuclear energy, reflecting the community's preference for safer and cleaner energy alternatives.
The document cites previous nuclear disasters, illustrating the multifaceted costs associated with such incidents, ranging from immediate cleanup operations to long-term health consequences and economic disruptions. It argues that pursuing nuclear power would detract from Hawaii's broader clean energy goals, as the state aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. This resolution effectively rejects the viability of newer technologies in the nuclear sector, underscoring their unproven nature and the economic inefficiencies they entail, alongside concerns about prioritizing private interests over public welfare.