Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR134

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Make Recommendations On The Establishment Of Dust Monitoring Stations In And Around Waimanalo Gulch To Protect Public Health And Environmental Quality.

Impact

If enacted, SR134 would significantly impact regulations related to air quality and public health in Hawaii. The recommendation to establish dust monitoring stations reflects a proactive approach to managing public health risks associated with dust from the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill and other local activities. The data collected from these stations would be instrumental in informing community protections and guiding effective dust control strategies, ensuring that public health regulations are well-informed and responsive to real-time environmental conditions.

Summary

Senate Resolution 134 urges the Department of Health in Hawaii to recommend the establishment of dust monitoring stations in and around Waimanalo Gulch. The resolution highlights the potential health risks posed by dust and airborne particulate matter, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. By implementing monitoring stations, the resolution aims to provide critical data on dust levels and enhance the state's capability to assess these risks and enforce environmental standards.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SR134 is positive, highlighting a commitment to environmental health and safety. Legislators and public health advocates likely support the resolution due to its focus on protecting communities from the adverse effects of dust pollution. However, there may be contention surrounding the adequacy of resources allocated for setting up and maintaining these monitoring stations, as well as overarching concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory measures that can stem from the gathered data.

Contention

Despite its positive reception, the resolution may face challenges regarding funding and implementation. Establishing a network of monitoring stations requires a clear financial commitment from state agencies, which can be a point of contention if budgets are constrained. Additionally, the resolution requests a comprehensive report from the Department of Health by 2027, indicating a need for ongoing scrutiny and action; if the timelines or recommendations in the report are not adequately met, it could lead to frustrations among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

HI SCR142

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Make Recommendations On The Establishment Of Dust Monitoring Stations In And Around Waimanalo Gulch To Protect Public Health And Environmental Quality.

Previously Filed As

HI SR162

Urging The Department Of Health To Ensure The Safe Management Of Incinerator Ash From Waste Incinerator Facilities.

HI SCR202

Urging The Department Of Health To Ensure The Safe Management Of Incinerator Ash From Waste Incinerator Facilities.

HI SR39

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency And Continuously Monitor And Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

HI SR86

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Ensure That The Operators Continuously Monitor, Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

HI SCR105

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Ensure That The Operators Continuously Monitor, Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

HI SR140

Requesting The Department Of Health To Adopt Rules Or Otherwise Permit Restaurants To Allow Dogs In Designated Areas Of Their Establishments While Adhering To Health And Safety Regulations.

HI SR6

Urging The Administrator Of The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Establish A Working Group On Health Insurance Reform To Provide Recommendations For Reducing The Impact Of Prior Authorization Requirements On The Timely Delivery Of Health Care In The State.

HI SR27

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources Division Of Forestry And Wildlife To Prioritize The Restoration And Protection Of Additional Wetlands And Anchialine Pools.

HI SR95

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HCR50

Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health, To Convene A Task Force To Address No-trespassing Policies Along Streams On Oahu And Improve Coordination Between State And County Authorities To Address Environmental And Public Health Concerns.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.