Bill > SB1634

This bill addresses critical environmental and public health concerns related to the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility on Oahu, which has experienced multiple fuel leaks that have contaminated groundwater. The bill authorizes the issuance of $20,000,000 in general obligation bonds to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply to plan, design, and construct up to six monitoring wells, including a sentinel monitoring grid. The purpose is to collect critical data about the condition of the groundwater aquifer beneath and surrounding the Red Hill facility, which sits approximately 100 feet above Oahu's sole-source groundwater aquifer. The legislation highlights the significant environmental risks, including an estimated 1,500,000 gallons of fuel released over 80 years and recent spills of fuel and aqueous film-forming foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The monitoring wells will help track potential contamination migration, assess immediate and future risks, and support remediation planning. The appropriated funds will not lapse until June 30, 2028, and the bill is set to take effect on May 13, 2040, providing a long-term strategy for monitoring and protecting Oahu's critical drinking water resources.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1634&year=2025