HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	381
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		H.D.1
STATE OF HAWAII		PROPOSED

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the lands and waters of Hawaii are unique, delicately balanced resources, and their protection is vital to the economy of the State.  Specifically, the protection of the State's groundwater supply is a matter of utmost concern.  As the primary source of potable water in the State, Hawaii's groundwater must be preserved in as close to pristine condition as possible while accommodating the needs of multiple public and private users.

     The legislature finds that the regulation of underground storage tanks and tank systems is intended to protect the environment by preventing the release of petroleum and other hazardous substances into the environment.  The storage of petroleum products and hazardous substances in underground storage tank systems is a precarious undertaking, and the spills, discharges, and releases of the substances that may occur as a result of private and governmental actions involving the storage of these products can pose serious threats to the environment, people, and other interests deriving livelihood from the State.  These hazards have occurred in the past, and future potentially catastrophic threats must be addressed and mitigated.

     The purpose of this part is to protect the State's underground drinking water sources and surrounding environment by requiring the administrative rules adopted by the department of health relating to underground storage tanks and tank systems to conform with, and be no less stringent than, federal regulations governing underground storage tank systems.

     SECTION 2.  Section 342L-62, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§342L-62  Duties. (a) The advisory committee shall study issues related to leaks of field-construction underground fuel storage tanks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Kuahua Peninsula, Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hickam Pol Annex, and Schofield Barracks Military Reservation. The advisory committee shall meet bi-annually and consider:

(1)  The short- and long-term effects of leaks of the fuel tanks, including efforts relating to the health of residents, safe drinking water, and the environment;

     (2)  Response strategies to mitigate the effects of leaks from fuel tanks;

(3)  Methods to improve communication between the United States Navy, Air Force, and Army; the State; any local board of water supply; and the public in the event of a leak of any fuel tank;

     (4)  Groundwater test results in relation to the surrounding areas of fuel tank facilities, with a particular emphasis on the groundwater near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility;

     (5)  The implications of shutting down any fuel tank facility;

     (6)  Updates on progress toward meeting goals of agreement between the State, the affected county, and the federal government.

    (b)   No later than twenty days before the convening of each regular session, the advisory committee shall submit a report of its findings, including groundwater test results, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation to the legislature.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.

Report Title:

Relating to the advisory committee pursuant to HRS Sec. 342L-62; Duties.

Description:

Requires the advisory committee to meet bi-annually.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.