Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1154

Introduced
1/17/25  

Caption

Relating To Health.

Impact

The establishment of the proposed laboratory is expected to have far-reaching impacts on state health policies, particularly concerning environmental safety. Currently, the Department of Health lacks the capacity to immediately substantiate test results related to environmental toxins without resorting to mainland laboratories. A local laboratory would provide not only quicker results but also enhance public confidence in the testing process, ensuring that local experts addressed Hawaii's unique environmental challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 1154 proposes the establishment of a local testing laboratory under the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine, aimed at analyzing samples for diseases and environmental toxins. The bill addresses the significant delays faced in shipping samples to mainland laboratories, especially highlighted during events like the 2021 Red Hill fuel spill, which exacerbated public health concerns. By creating a local facility, the bill aims to facilitate timely testing and analysis, thereby improving public health response strategies in Hawaii.

Contention

While the bill is designed to mitigate public health risks by expediting testing processes, there may be concerns regarding funding and operational capacity. The laboratory is expected to receive federal funding, with the possibility of issuing general obligation bonds to cover construction costs. Some stakeholders may worry about the dependency on federal financing and the implications of budget constraints on laboratory operations in the long term. Additionally, the requirements for transparency and access to testing results are highlighted as measures to enhance public trust, but the effective implementation of these measures will be crucial.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR208

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.

HI HR188

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.

HI SCR131

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.

HI SR113

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.

HI SB2409

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI SB2101

Relating To Health.

HI HB2099

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI HB2784

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI HB2796

Relating To Health.

HI HB2123

Relating To Air Pollution.

Similar Bills

MS HB1058

Department of Marine Resources; authorize to use any state institution of higher learning as a resource.

HI SB536

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI HB2784

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI HB2099

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

HI SB2409

Relating To An Environmental Toxins Laboratory.

CA AB3009

Hazardous materials: lead-based paint.

CA AB2422

Lead testing.

HI SCR131

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.