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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that based on the findings and recommendations of the house of representatives' environmental remediation working group, the wildfires that engulfed urban areas on Maui in August 2023 contained more toxic chemicals than wildfires that simply consume wood and natural materials. Materials burned in urban fires can include household appliances, commercial appliances, vehicles, and construction materials, which can leave behind a variety of chemicals, contaminants, and debris that can persist in the ecosystem.
The legislature further finds that conducting air quality testing and contaminant testing is necessary to monitor the short- and long-term risks of the August 2023 Maui wildfire to the ecosystem, community, and environment. Various state departments and organizations are conducting testing and monitoring of air samples to determine any immediate risks, and long-term monitoring is preferable to evaluate whether there are any long-term risks to human health and the ecosystem.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for long-term monitoring of air quality in communities impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfire, as well as support for research efforts to better understand the environmental concerns linked to urban fires; provided that the sum appropriated shall be allocated as follows:
(1) $ for the establishment of full-time equivalent ( FTE) permanent environmental health specialist IV positions;
(2) $ for expanding Olowalu community air sampling efforts, including equipment and maintenance; and
(3) $ for expanding Lahaina community air sampling efforts, including equipment and maintenance.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No. , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $ or per cent. The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOH; Air Quality Monitoring; Olowalu; Lahaina; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Health for long-term monitoring of air quality for certain communities impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfire, as well as support for research efforts to better understand the environmental concerns linked to urban fires, including funding for the establishment of permanent environmental health specialist IV positions. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Takes effect 7/1/3000. (SD1)
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