Bill
SCR 176
A concurrent resolution urging Honolulu to compensate residents in districts hosting a landfill; signals policy, cites costs, and directs copies to state and local officials.
Overview
- Type: Concurrent Resolution
- Bill Number: SCR176
- Title: URGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO COMPENSATE THE RESIDENTS OF ANY COUNCIL DISTRICT THAT IS CHOSEN TO HOST A NEW LANDFILL
- Purpose: To express the Hawaii Legislature’s stance that communities on Oahu which host a new municipal solid waste landfill should receive compensation for the impacts of landfill operations and related issues.
- Status: Referred to EIG (Economics/Infrastructure/Taxation or equivalent) as of March 12, 2025
- Introduced: March 7, 2025
- Companion: SR145 (Senate companion)
Key Provisions
- Urging, not mandating: The resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to provide compensation to communities that host a new landfill on Oahu.
- Rationale referenced: The bill cites potential impacts including community opposition, risks to aquifers, and substantial costs to relocate and construct a landfill (noted as tens or hundreds of millions of dollars).
- Actionable requests: Requires that certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of Health, the Mayor of Honolulu, and the Director of the City’s Department of Environmental Services.
- Nature of the instrument: As a concurrent resolution, the measure expresses legislative opinion and policy preference rather than enacting or changing law.
Who is Affected
- Primary beneficiaries/affected groups: Communities on Oahu that would host a new landfill, and their residents.
- Governmental entities: City and County of Honolulu (local government) and Hawaii state officials listed for notification (Governor, Health Director, DES Director).
- Taxpayers: Potentially affected by the proposed compensation framework and associated costs.
Potential Impact and Considerations
- Non-binding effect: SCR176 does not create a legal obligation or funding mechanism; it signals legislative support for compensation if and when Honolulu selects a landfill site.
- Policy signal: May influence local policy discussions, mitigation measures, and consideration of compensation as part of siting decisions or community benefits agreements.
- Financial implications: Highlights the potential financial burden on taxpayers or the hosting communities, given the cited costs of moving/constructing a landfill.
Procedural and Timeline Notes
- Introduced: March 7, 2025
- Referenced to committee: March 12, 2025 (EIG)
- Legislative path: As a concurrent resolution, it requires passage by both chambers to express formal sentiment; it does not become law.
- Related action: Companion bill SR145 exists in the Senate, offering parallel language and considerations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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