Bill Text: HI SR47 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Resolution 47 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Depleted Uranium; Pohakuloa Training Area

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-16 - (S) Referred to PGM/ENE. [SR47 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2011-SR47-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	47
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

strongly urging comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to DETERMINE the extent of radiation contamination at the pohakuloa training area.

WHEREAS, in the early 1960s, the United States Military used the Pohakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium in the impact area at the United States Army Garrison, Pohakuloa; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause damage in several human organ systems; and

WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, use, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products containing depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 639-08, Draft 2, urging the United States Military to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area by establishing a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring is recommended to determine the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recommend citizen oversight of independent testing and monitoring to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that federal funds, if available, are requested to help with the independent testing and monitoring process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; members of the Defense Subcommittee of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee; members of the Subcommittee on Defense of the United States House Appropriations Committee; Commander, United States Pacific Command; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Hawaii; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Pohakuloa; members of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation; and Governor.