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SCR 141

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION TESTING RESULTS FOR WAIMANALO GULCH PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella

Hawaii legislature requests Department of Health release Waimanalo Gulch water quality test results publicly to improve environmental transparency and community health awareness.

Offered.
#waimanalogulchsanitarylandfill #waterqualitymonitoring
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Bill Summary · SCR 141

Legislative bill overview

SCR 141 is a concurrent resolution requesting that Hawaii's Department of Health publish water quality and contamination testing results for Waimanalo Gulch as publicly accessible information. The resolution does not create new law or mandate action with enforcement mechanisms, but rather expresses the legislature's intent and asks the department to comply with the request.

Why is this important

Public access to water quality data is critical for community health and environmental decision-making, allowing residents to understand contamination risks, make informed choices about water use, and hold agencies accountable. Waimanalo Gulch, located on Oahu, has a history of environmental concerns, and transparency around testing results affects agricultural users, residents, and environmental advocates in the area.

Potential points of contention

  • Non-binding nature: As a concurrent resolution, this is a request rather than a legally binding mandate, so the Department of Health could decline without legal consequences
  • Data sensitivity concerns: The department might cite privacy, security, or ongoing investigation concerns as reasons to limit public release of certain contamination details
  • Scope ambiguity: The resolution doesn't specify which tests, time periods, or contaminants should be included, potentially leading to disagreement about what constitutes adequate disclosure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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