Bill > SB639

This bill addresses underground storage tank regulations in Hawaii, focusing specifically on jet fuel contamination and environmental restoration. It requires owners or operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) with confirmed releases to meet stringent environmental restoration standards, with a particular emphasis on cleaning up jet fuel and its related compounds. The bill establishes that when a release is confirmed, the responsible parties must empty the tank's contents (if safe to do so), properly close or repair the tank, and restore the environment to a condition acceptable to the department. Significantly, the bill introduces a new requirement that jet fuel cleanup must proceed to levels below the detection limits of the most sensitive available technology, with the ultimate goal of complete remediation. The legislation also creates a legal presumption that any detection of jet fuel or jet fuel-related compounds near a UST after a confirmed release is presumed to be from that release, which shifts the burden of proof to the tank owner to prove otherwise. The bill stems from the legislature's recognition of Hawaii's pristine water resources and the critical importance of protecting groundwater from contamination, particularly in the context of previous jet fuel incidents that have threatened the state's water supply.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=639&year=2025