HR76

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	76
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND GEOTECHNICAL STUDY OF THE EWA PLAIN.

WHEREAS, the Ewa plain, located in the Honouliuli ahupuaa, consists largely of limestone and alluvial deposits pockmarked with holes formed by dissolution of limestone by underground freshwater; and

WHEREAS, the geology of the Ewa plain makes the area prone to land instability and sinkholes; and

WHEREAS, multiple reports of sinkholes, cracking sidewalks, and unstable walls raise serious concerns about the safety and long-term stability of the land to support the area infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, specific issues reported include: cracks along the sidewalks and rail pillars of Kualakai Parkway; sinking divots along the Keahumoa Parkway; recurring holes at the Kanehili Homestead Community Park that require periodic refilling; and widespread reports of holes forming and growing larger in backyards across all Hawaiian homestead neighborhoods in the area; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive geological survey and geotechnical study of the area will assist lawmakers, officials, planners, and residents with developing strategies to accurately site future infrastructure and other construction projects, and minimize further destabilization in the area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the University of Hawaii is urged to conduct a comprehensive geological survey and geotechnical study of the Ewa plain in Honouliuli to assess the quality and stability of the area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the University of Hawaii System and the Director of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________