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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2473 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to air quality.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that vog is the substance created when sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases combine and interact chemically in the atmosphere with oxygen, moisture, dust, and sunlight over a period of time to form a visible haze. Vog represents a significant health hazard to the people of Hawaii and has also been shown to negatively impact the State's agricultural industry.
The legislature further finds that vog is primarily caused by the fine particulate matter emitted by Kilauea volcano, and that the school of ocean and earth science and technology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa operates the vog model, which is the only source of information about many of Kilauea volcano's emissions, including the fine particulate matter emitted by the Kilauea volcano. The National Weather Service relies on the university's vog model for guidance when issuing vog forecasts. Ongoing support for the University of Hawaii's vog model is necessary for the model's continued operation and enhancement.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish and operate a dispersion modeling center within the school of ocean and earth science and technology to operate, maintain, and improve the vog model.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to establish and operate a dispersion modeling center within the school of ocean and earth science and technology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Vog; Air Quality; Appropriation; SOEST
Description:
Appropriates funds for a dispersion modeling center within the school of ocean and earth science and technology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in order to improve vog forecasts for the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.