Bill > SCR202

This concurrent resolution addresses the safe management of incinerator ash, specifically focusing on the H-POWER waste incinerator in Oahu, which burns up to 3,000 tons of waste daily and produces ash currently disposed of in the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill. The resolution highlights concerns that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) toxicity tests for incinerator ash are insufficient, as they only assess groundwater contamination risks and do not consider potential health hazards from inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. The resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Health to treat incinerator ash as solid waste subject to state control, and warns the City and County of Honolulu against "recycling" or reusing incinerator ash in construction projects like road-building, which could expose workers, the public, and the environment to toxic particles including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. The resolution requests that copies be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, Chief Energy Officer, and Mayor of Honolulu to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect public health.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=202&year=2025