THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	123
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE USE OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING IN HAWAII.

     WHEREAS, hydraulic fracturing - also known as "fracking" -    involves drilling wells into the ground and injecting a fluid into the rock to fracture the rock; and

     WHEREAS, hydraulic fracturing can result in potentially adverse impacts to the environment, including:

     (1)  Stress on surface water and ground water supplies from the withdrawal of large volumes of water used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing;

     (2)  Contamination of underground sources of drinking water and surface waters resulting from spills, faulty well construction, or by other means related to the hydraulic fracturing process;

     (3)  Adverse impacts from the discharge of waste water from hydraulic fracturing into surface waters or into underground injection wells; and

     (4)  Air pollution resulting from the release of volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and greenhouse gases from the hydraulic fracturing process; and

     WHEREAS, a recent study has raised questions about whether there is a link between hydraulic fracturing and earthquakes; and

     WHEREAS, it is not clear whether present statutes and regulations adequately protect against the potentially adverse impacts of hydraulic fracturing; and

     WHEREAS, it would be useful to potential geothermal developers to know which technologies will be acceptable in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, a proactive approach should be taken to safeguard the people of Hawaii, the environment, and Hawaii's natural resources by opposing the use of hydraulic fracturing; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body expresses concern about the use of hydraulic fracturing in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Health; and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title: 

Hydraulic Fracturing; Conservation and Resources