STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3508

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2646

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2646, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a fuel tank advisory committee to study issues related to leaks of certain fuel storage tanks throughout the State.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Conservation Council for Hawaii, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the leakage of fuel from underground storage tanks is a matter of statewide concern.  Fuel that leaks from storage tanks can contaminate groundwater that is used for human consumption and cause significant damage to the environment.  Issues surrounding leaking fuel storage tanks are numerous and cannot be adequately addressed by a temporary committee.  Your Committee believes that establishing an advisory committee in statute ensures that issues relating to fuel tank leaks are addressed now and in the future, and further demonstrates the State's commitment to preserving the safety of Hawaii's drinking water supply.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1)  Clarifying that certain persons shall be invited, rather than required, to participate on the advisory committee as ex officio members;

(2)  Inserting an unspecified appropriation to be expended by the Department of Health for the fuel tank advisory committee; and

(3)  Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As this measure advances through the legislative process, your Committee requests the Department of Health to recommend an appropriation amount necessary to implement this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2646, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2646, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair