WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 39

URGING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO REQUIRE OPERATORS OF WASTE COMBUSTION FACILITIES TO IMPLEMENT CONTINUOUS MONITORING AND SAMPLING TECHNOLOGIES THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED AND VERIFIED BY THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR AND SAMPLE, AND REPORT THE EMISSIONS OF CONTAMINANTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Keohokalole

Hawaii resolution urges mandatory EPA-tested continuous emissions monitoring at waste incinerators to improve air quality data and public health protection.

Referred to HHS/AEN.
#continuousmonitoring #doh #toxicairemissions #wastecombustionfacilityoperators
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 39

Legislative bill overview

SR 39 urges Hawaii's Director of Health to mandate that waste combustion facilities (incinerators) install EPA-tested continuous monitoring and sampling equipment to track and report emissions of contaminants. The resolution does not create law but rather expresses the legislature's intent for the executive branch to adopt these requirements through administrative action.

Why is this important

Waste combustion facilities are significant sources of air pollution, including heavy metals, dioxins, and particulates that pose public health risks, particularly for nearby communities. Current monitoring may be limited or sporadic, so continuous real-time tracking would provide better data on actual emissions levels and facilitate quicker identification of violations or equipment failures.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Facilities argue that EPA-verified continuous monitoring systems are expensive to install and maintain, potentially leading to higher waste disposal costs passed to consumers or reduced facility profitability
  • Regulatory clarity: The resolution doesn't specify enforcement mechanisms, timelines, or consequences for non-compliance, leaving ambiguity about how mandatory these requirements actually are
  • Technology limitations: Not all contaminants can be continuously monitored with currently available technology, and some EPA-verified systems may have operational challenges in real-world waste combustion environments

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

Sign in to ask a question.