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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
40 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THAT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD PROVIDE MEMBERS AND VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES HEALTH SCREENING FOR DEPLETED URANIUM EXPOSURE.
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and
WHEREAS, the chemical and radiological toxicity of depleted uranium has been a reported cause of kidney dysfunction, damage to lung cells that increases the possibility of lung cancer, neurological disorders, liver infection, and high miscarriage rates among military personnel who have returned from a designated combat zone where depleted uranium munitions have been used; and
WHEREAS, these munitions and armor have been used extensively in the 1991 Gulf War and during the three years since the 2003 invasion of Iraq; and
WHEREAS, the significant environmental impact from military use and disposal of depleted uranium munitions has been found in contaminated ground surfaces, which over time will lead to food and ground water contamination; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut and Louisiana have recently passed legislation, and eighteen other states are hearing legislation this session, to give all returning veterans the right to a best practices health screening test for exposure to depleted uranium; and
WHEREAS, reliable reports indicate widespread military non-compliance with regulations, orders, and directives, including Medical Management of Unusual Depleted Uranium Casualties, dated October 14, 1993; Medical Management of Army Personnel Exposed to Depleted Uranium, dated April 20, 2004; and section 2-5 of Army Regulations 700-48, requiring prompt medical care for all exposed individuals; and
WHEREAS, in January 2006, the Honolulu Advertiser reported the Army's confirmation of finding remnants of depleted uranium munitions on Oahu; and
WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products containing depleted uranium; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Veterans Affairs is requested to assist any member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed services who returns or has returned to this State after service in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States, and the dependants of any member or veteran, to obtain a health screening test for exposure to depleted uranium that uses methods capable of detecting low levels of depleted uranium; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard coordinate with the United States Department of Defense in Hawaii to:
(1) Conduct an assessment of the scope and adequacy of depleted uranium storage and disposal in Hawaii and report on the training received by members of the Armed Forces involving potential exposure to depleted uranium; and
(2) Report on the adequacy of training of Hawaii National Guard members concerning potential exposure to depleted uranium and the cost of pre-deployment training about potential exposure and recommended precautions while under combat and non-combat conditions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard is requested to:
(1) Assist any member of the Hawaii National Guard who returns or has returned to this State after service in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States, and any member's dependents, to obtain a health screening test for exposure to depleted uranium that uses methods capable of detecting low levels of depleted uranium; and
(2) Ensure that quality health treatment is available for all members or veterans of the Hawaii National Guard and their dependents who may have been exposed to depleted uranium; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard is requested to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, shall give serious consideration to passing legislation that will:
(1) Ensure access to appropriate screening and quality health care for all veterans in the State of Hawaii; and
(2) Establish a task force within the State of Hawaii's Office of Veterans' Services to: (a) Study the various aspects of depleted uranium as it relates to veterans in the State of Hawaii; (b) Develop a plan for outreach to and follow-up of eligible veterans; and (c) Investigate and report on potential funding sources to support the continued provision of health care testing and treatment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Defense, the Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard, and the State Director of Health.
Report Title:
Depleted Uranium Exposure; Health Screening; Armed Forces