Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR127

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

Requesting The United States Armed Forces To Provide Military Oversight Of All Contractors And Civilian Workers At United States Military Facilities In The State.

Impact

The resolution underscores the importance of military accountability in managing environmental risks and maintaining public health, particularly in military contexts. By requesting the armed forces to enhance oversight, HCR127 aims to ensure that civilian contractors adhere to rigid safety standards to prevent future spills and protect both military and civilian populations from potential health hazards associated with fuel contamination. This change is particularly relevant in the wake of spills that have caused illness and displacement among military families residing on Oahu.

Summary

HCR127 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the United States Armed Forces to implement military oversight for all contractors and civilian workers at military facilities within the state. This request follows a series of concerning incidents at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, where operator error and inadequate oversight led to significant fuel spills that contaminated the local drinking water. These incidents raised alarms about the safety and accountability of operations at the facility, prompting legislators to advocate for stricter oversight.

Conclusion

HCR127 aims to foster a safer environment at military sites through improved oversight, potentially serving as a model for contingency and risk management practices at military facilities nationwide. By addressing the failures identified in the Red Hill incidents, this resolution does not only seek to remedy past mistakes but also highlights an ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing the operational integrity of military installations.

Contention

Despite the proactive nature of HCR127, the proposal may face challenges regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that increased military oversight could complicate existing contractor relationships and operational efficiency. There may also be concerns related to the extent of oversight and whether it would be sufficient to address the cultural and procedural shortcomings highlighted in prior investigations, which cited issues of complacency and accountability within military operations at Red Hill.

Companion Bills

HI HR128

Same As Requesting The United States Armed Forces To Provide Military Oversight Of All Contractors And Civilian Workers At United States Military Facilities In The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR209

Requesting All Branches Of The United States Military To Display The Hawaiian Flag On All United States Military Reservations And Military Training Facilities In The State.

HI SR185

Requesting All Branches Of The United States Military To Display The Hawaiian Flag On All United States Military Reservations And Military Training Facilities In The State.

HI HCR218

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Availability And Affordability Of Military Housing In Hawaii.

HI HR198

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Availability And Affordability Of Military Housing In Hawaii.

HI HCR75

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense, Including The Navy, Army, And Air Force, To Increase On-base Housing Availability For Active Duty Personnel And Their Dependents Assigned To Military Installations In The State.

HI HCR216

Urging The United States Department Of Defense To Decrease The Overall Number Of Military Members Stationed In Hawaii And To Increase The Percentage Of Military Members Stationed In Hawaii Who Are Unmarried Or Have No Accompanying Dependents.

HI HR214

Congratulating Vice Admiral John Wade On His Success As The Commander Of The Joint Task Force-red Hill In Defueling The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

HI HCR106

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Makua Valley Task Force To Prepare For The Transition Of The Management Of The Makua Military Reservation From The United States Army To The State.

HI SB1584

Relating To Transparency.

HI HR60

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense, Including The Navy, Army, And Air Force, To Increase On-base Housing Availability For Active Duty Personnel And Their Dependents Assigned To Military Installations In The State.

Similar Bills

HI HR128

Requesting The United States Armed Forces To Provide Military Oversight Of All Contractors And Civilian Workers At United States Military Facilities In The State.

US HR1329

Acknowledging and apologizing for the mistreatment of, and discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service.

NC S455

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NH HB330

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