STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1167

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.R. No. 86

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 86 entitled:

 

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ADOPT RULES FOR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS AND TANK SYSTEMS THAT CONFORM WITH RECENT REVISIONS TO FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN FIELD-CONSTRUCTED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Health to adopt rules for underground storage tanks and tank systems that conform with recent revisions to federal regulations and include additional requirements for certain field-constructed underground storage tanks.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Conservation Council for Hawaii; Ke One O Kākuhihewa, Oahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Sierra Club of Hawaii; and five individuals.  Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Health, Navy Region Hawaii, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, and thirteen individuals.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from We Are One, Inc.

 

     Your Committees find that the leakage of fuel from underground storage tanks is a matter of serious statewide concern.  Fuel that leaks from storage tanks can contaminate groundwater that is used for human consumption and cause significant damage to the environment.  Issues surrounding leaking fuel storage tanks are numerous and need to be adequately and immediately addressed to protect Hawaii's water supply for the health and safety of Hawaii's people and environment.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 86 and recommend that it be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

 

________________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair