Bill > SR39

This resolution urges the Director of Health to require operators of waste combustion facilities, specifically focusing on the Covanta Honolulu Resource Recovery Venture (H-POWER), to implement more comprehensive continuous monitoring and sampling technologies for air pollutants. Currently, H-POWER only monitors four air pollutants continuously and tests other pollutants just once annually under optimal conditions. The resolution highlights that advanced technologies, verified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) between 2001 and 2007, can provide more accurate and frequent monitoring of toxic emissions. Studies referenced in the resolution suggest that current testing methods significantly underestimate emissions, with one example showing hydrochloric acid emissions 62% higher when continuously monitored and another indicating dioxin emissions could be underestimated by 460 to 1,290 times. The resolution emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring to better understand community exposure to health hazards, particularly given wind conditions that can blow emissions toward populated areas. By urging the implementation of these advanced monitoring technologies, the resolution seeks to improve transparency and understanding of potential environmental and health risks associated with waste combustion facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=39&year=2025