HB1511

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1511
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that agriculture is well-suited to our tropical climate and is consistent with the State's objective to support clean and sustainable industries. In order to ensure the safety of our agricultural products for consumers, it is necessary to develop technologies that prevent our biota from invading other markets. The legislature also finds, however, that the safety of our State is the responsibility of all people who reside here. The legislature also finds that historically the Hawaii has been a major hub for commerce and travel, as evidenced by our busy international airport and piers. The State has an additional responsibility to protect the visitors that enjoy our State as a travel destination, or as a way station to a different terminus. In addition, the State has long been recognized as an important strategic location, as indicated by a strong military presence. With these in mind, it behooves us to carefully consider the location and protection of our crucial technologies.

SECTION 2. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any new construction of irradiation plants for agricultural or pharmaceutical purposes that utilizes radioactive materials to generate the necessary ray spectrum, is prohibited in the State for a period of years, beginning July 1, 2007.

During the moratorium provided under this Act all irradiation plants currently operating in the State shall provide, to the department of health, an environmental impact statement as provided under chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and a comprehensive study, which shall contain a:

(1) Population density study;

(2) Blast zone easement estimation; and

(3) Security plan that takes into account transportation of materials to and from the State and the proximity of the irradiation plant to major transportation locations.

(b) The department of health, with the assistance of the department of agriculture shall administer this Act to ensure that all provisions of this Act are met.

(c) The department of health shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2008.

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 2007-2008, for the purposes of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________