Hawaii Senate Bill SCR167

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health And Encouraging The County Of Maui, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, And Federal Emergency Management Agency To Take Certain Measures To Ensure The Safest Possible Management Of Ash And Debris From The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.

Impact

The resolution highlights the decision made by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to designate a site near Olowalu for disposal of the wildfire debris. It raises concerns about the risks associated with dumping ash in temporary sites that may not be adequately contained, which could lead to environmental contamination. Additionally, it underscores the importance of adhering to state laws that govern the management of solid waste, particularly by ensuring that ash from the fires is handled according to regulated procedures to protect both the community and the environment.

Summary

SCR167 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Health and encouraging the County of Maui, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to adopt specific measures related to the management of ash and debris resulting from the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The resolution emphasizes the potential hazards posed by the ash, which contains various toxic substances, including dioxins and heavy metals, that could pose significant risks to public health and the environment if not managed correctly. It calls for immediate action to ensure proper containment and disposal of the hazardous material.

Contention

A critical point of contention within the resolution is the proposed use of the Central Maui Landfill as the final disposal site, which is supported as a necessary measure to mitigate the risks of contamination. However, the resolution also urges against the use of high-temperature processes like incineration or pyrolysis, citing potential concerns over the generation of new toxic substances. Furthermore, the recommendations call for safe transportation methods to prevent spills during the moving of ash, indicating an ongoing discussion about the complexities involved in managing waste from large-scale disasters. The implications of these management strategies will have lasting impacts on environmental practices and public health policies in Hawaii.