Relating To Water Quality.
This bill will amend existing statutes under Section 342L-35 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by introducing stringent requirements for the remediation of any UST-related contamination. It stipulates that owners and operators of USTs must ensure the complete removal of jet fuel and its associated compounds from the environment following a confirmed spill. This requirement aims to prevent any acceptable level of jet fuel from contaminating Hawaii's waterways. Furthermore, the bill states a rebuttable presumption that the presence of jet fuel or its byproducts in groundwater indicates a confirmed spill, clarifying the responsibilities of UST operators in contamination cases.
Senate Bill 541, introduced during the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, focuses on enhancing water quality, particularly concerning the contamination stemming from underground storage tanks (USTs). The bill highlights the critical need to protect Hawaii's exceptional freshwater resources, which have historically been a vital part of the local ecosystem and culture. It mandates that any confirmed release of jet fuel from USTs must be thoroughly investigated, cleaned, and restored to ensure that no contaminants remain in the environment or water supply. The ultimate goal of this legislation is to safeguard the purity of Hawaii's water resources and maintain their recognition as sacrosanct and essential to life in the islands.
Notably, the bill may spark discussions regarding the implications and obligations it places on UST operators, as they will be held accountable for the remediation processes and ensure no traces of contaminants remain. The emphasis on 'zero jet fuel' establishes a high standard for environmental restoration, likely inviting debate over the feasibility and financial implications of such stringent measures. This could lead to differing opinions among stakeholders, including industry representatives who may argue against the practicalities of enforcing such strict regulations versus community advocates who support robust measures to protect water quality.