Hawaii House Bill HCR208

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/1/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/1/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution highlights a pressing need for state-level scientific capability to assess environmental risks effectively, particularly in light of increasing pollution levels, including the proliferation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their high toxicity. By establishing a local laboratory, the resolution aims to not only reduce delays caused by external testing but also to ensure that Hawaii residents receive timely and accurate information about the potential health hazards in their environment.

Summary

HCR208, a House Concurrent Resolution in the State of Hawaii, seeks to urge Hawaii's congressional delegation to secure funding for the construction of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified laboratory. This facility is intended to test and provide information on environmental toxins present in Hawaii, thereby allowing residents to have access to reliable data regarding their air, water, soil, and biological exposure to harmful substances. The resolution emphasizes the current lack of local testing facilities and the dependency on distant laboratories, which can delay the evaluation of environmental health risks.

Contention

While the resolution outlines a proactive approach to managing environmental health risks, it also notes significant financial obstacles. The estimated cost for constructing the laboratory is around $100 million with annual operational expenses exceeding $200,000, a financial burden deemed beyond the state's current means, especially after recent disasters, like the August 2023 Maui wildfires. This raises concerns about the feasibility of the proposed laboratory and the state's capacity to engage effectively with environmental issues without robust federal support.