Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 76, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Health to report on the status of its litigation against Waste Management of Hawaii, Inc. and the City and County of Honolulu, on how the Department of Health conducts health surveillance related to environmental factors, and how the divisions of the department of health work together to share information and determine any actions to be taken.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health.

Your Committees find that it is a priority of the State to ensure that waste management is handled in a safe and appropriate manner. Improper waste disposal is detrimental to the health and well-being of the community and to the environment. Information on the status of the Department of Health's pending litigation against Waste Management of Hawaii, Inc. and the department's health surveillance procedures will assist the Legislature in determining any future action that needs to be taken.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 76, H.D. 1, and recommend its adoption.