Requires the department of education to conduct asbestos tests prior to renovations or painting of school facilities at all department of education schools. Directs the department to maintain a record of all students at King intermediate who may have been exposed to asbestos. Appropriates funds. (HB1295 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation and fireproofing material until the 1970's when it was banned. Asbestos does not pose a risk in finished products and if left undamaged and undisturbed. However, it can pose a risk when the materials in which it is used are ground or pulverized, causing the asbestos to become airborne.

As most of the data on asbestos-related illnesses comes from shipyard workers and miners who were exposed to large amounts of pure asbestos over long periods of time, it is unclear what effect, if any, a brief exposure to asbestos will have and what future health problems, if any, people may have when dust containing asbestos is inhaled.

Asbestos is found in many school buildings in Hawaii. Asbestos can present a health and safety issue for students, teachers, and anyone else present when asbestos is disturbed. While schools across the county have asbestos management plans requiring schools to inspect for asbestos and do periodic surveillance, most school management plans do not cover the exteriors of buildings. Thus, there was an unfortunate incident at King intermediate in December 2004 when students were exposed to dust containing asbestos during an exterior renovation project that was conducted at the school.

The legislature finds that the department of education must ensure that paint and buildings are tested for asbestos prior to any renovations or painting of the school facilities at King intermediate school. Furthermore, the department must maintain a record of all students who may have been exposed to asbestos during the December 2004 incident at King intermediate.

The purpose of this Act is to ensure the health of students and faculty by:

SECTION 2. The department of education shall be responsible for:

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to provide for:

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2005.