Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR163

Introduced
3/11/22  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Prioritize Testing And Research Of Beach Sand Contamination Levels At Pokai Bay And Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Prioritize Renovations Of The Restroom Facilities At Pokai Bay.

Impact

The resolution calls for the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive approach to enhance water circulation at the bay, which is seen as crucial for improving water quality and reducing the health risks associated with contamination. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration with other state and county agencies to effectively address these environmental concerns. This initiative could lead to enhanced testing protocols and proactive management of pollutants in the area.

Summary

HCR163 urges the Hawaii Department of Health to prioritize testing and research concerning beach sand contamination levels at Pokai Bay. The resolution highlights the significant public health concerns arising from pollution sources that affect both the beach sand and water quality. As a popular destination on Oahu's Leeward Coast, Pokai Bay has reported contamination due to various factors, including runoff, illegal dumping, and pollution from boat activities, which together may contribute to health hazards for beach-goers.

Contention

Among the key points of contention is the acknowledgment of historical pollution patterns, particularly regarding illegal dumping and associated contaminants. The resolution references a 2015 study indicating that beach sand can harbor higher levels of fecal indicator bacteria than seawater, raising alarms about public health implications, especially in light of recent infections among beach users. Furthermore, the resolution requests that restroom facilities at Pokai Bay be renovated to mitigate potential sources of contamination and emphasizes the urgency of these actions to protect both environmental and public health.

Companion Bills

HI HR163

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Prioritize Testing And Research Of Beach Sand Contamination Levels At Pokai Bay And Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Prioritize Renovations Of The Restroom Facilities At Pokai Bay.

HI SCR235

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Prioritize Testing And Research Of Beach Sand Contamination Levels At Pokai Bay And Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Prioritize Renovations Of The Restroom Facilities At Pokai Bay.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR95

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HCR177

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HCR59

Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Work With The Honolulu Police Department To Increase Enforcement Efforts Against Illegal Electric Bicycles And Dirt Bike Motorcycles To Make Sidewalks And Public Roadways Safer.

HI HR79

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HCR143

Urging The Department Of Human Services, Department Of Health, And Judiciary To Prioritize Ensuring That Contracts For Government Services Are Adequately Resourced To Cover The Costs Of Providing Those Services.

HI HR157

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HR209

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu's Department Of Transportation Services To Install Crosswalks In Kalama Valley.

HI HCR62

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI HCR116

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Amend The Revised Ordinances Of Honolulu, As Proposed In A Bill By The Honolulu Youth Commission, That Creates A Safe Parking Pilot Program.

HI HCR223

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Convene A Task Force To Study Permitted Events In Urban Honolulu.

Similar Bills

CA AB922

Reproductive health and research: oocyte procurement.

HI SB2304

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB3208

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1511

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1511

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1204

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

CA SB934

California Childhood Cancer Research Fund Act.

CA AB1103

Controlled substances: research.