Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 184 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Health to include the use of bioremediation methods to prevent and mitigate water pollution in its best management practices and programs.

The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association and the Partners in Development Foundation submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Department of Health submitted testimony in opposition.

According to the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, "The vast majority of bioremediation applications use naturally occurring microorganisms to identify and filter manufacturing waste before it is introduced into the environment or to clean up existing pollution problems." The Department of Health expressed its concern that "the use of bioremediation has not been properly addressed by other agencies having responsibility over flood control, debris maintenance and use of biological agents."

Your Committee finds that the use of bioremediation methods will reduce the State's dependence on conventional methods, such as incineration and waste dumpsites, and will reduce the introduction of chemical agents into the environment.

Upon further consideration, your Committee amended this measure by narrowing the application of bioremediation methods to instances where it will not substantially impede water flow.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 184, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 184, S.D. 1.