STAND. COM. REP. NO. 661

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 505

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 505, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RED HILL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI) policy coordinator to coordinate WAI initiatives across state and county agencies and appropriate federal entities; and

(2) Create the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaiʻi System; Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Shimanchu Wai Protector; Hui Malama Pono Hawaiʻi; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; United Methodist Church, Hawaiʻi District; Coalition Earth; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility continues to pose a serious environmental and public health threat, particularly after the 2021 fuel spill that directly affected ninety-three thousand individuals served by the Navy's potable water system. The Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI), which was formed in 2023 to address the aftermath and remediation of the site, has provided crucial recommendations for action. This measure adopts recommendations of the Red Hill WAI, establishing a Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative policy coordinator and the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund, which will give state and county officials a clear understanding of the WAI, its mission, expectations, objectives and reporting requirements.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 505, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair