HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

186

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the CONGRESSIONAL delegation of the state of hawaii to TAKE ACTION TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO conduct an environmental assessment of the storage use, and disposal of depleted uranium munitions in hawaii.

 

 


     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and

 

     WHEREAS, the chemical and radiological toxicity of depleted uranium has been a reported cause of kidney dysfunction, damage to lung cells that increases the possibility of lung cancer, neurological disorders, liver infection, and high miscarriage rates among military personnel who have returned from a designated combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area where depleted uranium munitions have been used; and

 

     WHEREAS, in recent times, many parts of our State, including Makua Valley and Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu and Pohakuloa on the island of Hawaii, have been subject to small-arms live-fire and artillery practice; and

 

     WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, use, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products containing depleted uranium within the State of Hawaii; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that Hawaii's congressional delegation is requested to take action to obtain the assistance of the United States Department of Defense to conduct an environmental assessment of the scope and adequacy of depleted uranium storage, use, and disposal in Hawaii and report on training received by members of the Armed Forces involved in the handling of depleted uranium munitions on exposure to depleted uranium; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Hawaii's congressional delegation is requested to notify the Legislature of any developments before the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation; the Governor; the Commander, United States Pacific Command; the Adjutant General; and the Director of Health.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Depleted Uranium