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. 233 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the military to map and monitor all munitions dumpsites off Hawaiian shores.

Maui Peace Action submitted testimony in support of this measure.

The United States military has confirmed that vast quantities of chemical weapons were dumped off Hawaiian shores in at least three major events in 1944 and 1945. The United States Congress has since banned the practice of chemical weapons dumping. The effect of the dumping apparently has not been studied, and it is uncertain exactly where the dumped weapons are located. Some munitions may have been dumped in water so deep that removal may be impossible and continuous monitoring is needed to protect public safety.

Your Committee finds that the military should take efforts to prevent the public's accidental exposure to contaminants by mapping and monitoring all dumpsites off Hawaiian shores, clearly marking these dumpsites on all marine navigation maps, and releasing the location of the dumpsites to the public and media. In addition, the military should be requested to conduct an assessment to determine the extent of any potential public health risks associated with the dumpsites.

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. 233 and recommends its adoption.