KeauThere will be an incredibly important hearing on Senate Bill 2172 (SB2172), relating to the Red Hill underground fuel storage tanks, before the Senate Committees Health and Agriculture & Environment on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
SB2172, if passed, will prohibit the state Department of Health from issuing new permits for underground fuel storage tanks within one-half mile of an aquifer; prohibit the renewal of permits for similarly situated underground fuel storage tanks; and create a new legal definition for “fuel storage tanks” to include tanks with a capacity greater than 100 gallons.
Here are some important links related to SB2172:
Submit Testimony
Bill Information Page
Hearing Notice
Here is a sample testimony below for your use:
Aloha Chairs Keohokalole and Gabbard, Vice Chairs Baker and Nishihara, and members of the Health and Agriculture and Environment Committees,
My name is _______, I am a resident of Hawai‘i. I STRONGLY SUPPORT SB2172, which attempts to better protect our precious freshwater resources by prohibiting the permitting of underground fuel storage tanks within a reasonable distance from a freshwater aquifer.
I am deeply concerned about the current crisis caused by the Navy’s antiquated Red Hill fuel storage tanks that have poisoned the aquifer that provides drinking water to half of Oʻahu’s residents. This damage to the Moanalua-Waimalu groundwater aquifer could result in devastating long-term impacts to the health of our community as well to Hawaiʻi’s economy.
SB2172 would help to ensure that a situation like the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is not repeated elsewhere in Hawai‘i.
In closing, please PASS SB2172. Mahalo for this opportunity to testify on this measure.
