HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

212

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

urging the department of land and natural resources to inspect all dams in the state to determine whether there are any dams that are in imminent or short-term danger of failure.

 

 

WHEREAS, in a recent March 2005 study, the American Society of Civil Engineers found that of the approximately one hundred thirty dams in the State, twenty-two were classified as "high hazard", not necessarily because of the danger of imminent failure, but due to structural and functional deficiencies and because of their precarious location that could cause massive loss of lives and property; and

WHEREAS, this prescient study becomes much more pertinent due to the recent catastrophic failure of the Kaloko Reservoir on the island of Kauai and the resultant loss of lives and property; and

WHEREAS, it should be noted that the Kaloko Reservoir was not even among the dams that was rated "high hazard"; and

WHEREAS, other high hazard dams cited include the Nuuanu Reservoir and the Wahiawa Dam on the island of Oahu, both of which would result in massive loss of lives and property damage in the event of failure; and

WHEREAS, when asked what the State had done prior the Kaloko disaster to boost the State's dam safety program, the Governor is quoted as stating "Nothing that I'm aware of;" now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with the assistance of the Department of Defense, is urged to immediately inspect every dam in the State to assess whether any dams are in imminent or short-term danger of failure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Defense are urged to take immediate emergency action, including the dismantling and removal of any dams that are in imminent danger of failure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to file an interim report to the Legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the conclusion of the 2006 Regular Session, of its findings and recommendations regarding its inspection and assessment of the State's dams; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a final report of its findings and any recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Director of Civil Defense.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Civil Defense; Dams