HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	108
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting the department of health TO conduct a review AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS on the removal of marine debris CREATED BY THE 2011 TSUNAMI IN JAPAN.

     WHEREAS, the 2011 Japanese tsunami has generated marine debris expected to affect the entire northern Pacific region; and

     WHEREAS, in response to the aftermath of the tsunami, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration organized a workshop on January 19, 2012, where forty organizations and agencies discussed contingency response plans to assess and respond to anticipated marine debris; and

     WHEREAS, the issue of proper assessment and disposal of marine debris by the State was not addressed as part of the workshop discussion; and

     WHEREAS, marine debris is expected to reach the Northwest Hawaiian Islands in the winter of 2012, and the main Hawaiian Islands in 2014; and

     WHEREAS, an area of concern regarding the arrival of marine debris is the assessment of and response to large non-hazardous material by the State and counties who will be responsible for handling the effects of debris landing on the beaches of the Hawaiian Islands; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that preparation by the State for removal of the Japanese tsunami debris is essential; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2012, the Senate concurring, that the Environmental Health Administration and Environmental Management Division of the Department of Health, in consultation with state and federal agencies and other appropriate organizations, are requested to review and make recommendations on the removal of marine debris; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature requests that the review include, but not be limited to, collection, disposal, permitting, access, evaluation of material, sources of funding, and identifying stakeholders; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to report to the Legislature on its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2013 and 2014; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of Health, the Adjutant General, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Mayor of each county, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Department of Health; Tsunami Debris; Report