House committees aglow for Depleted Uranium bill

Three House committees voted jointly today to advance a bill that would require the Department of Health to monitor air samples in areas adjacent or down wind of military facilities where depleted uranium munitions have been used. HB2076 names Makua Training Area and Schofield Barracks on Oahu, and Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. The United States Army has recently collected data and completed a study which will be available by late March or early April, according to testimony given at today's hearing.

The bill, however, focuses on the Department of Health's responsibility to protect the public's health from radiation and contaminated dust. The bill requires the DOH to set up air sampling stations to collect data and to work with the John A. Burns School of Medicine and branches of the U.S. armed services to develop rules and standards. The three joint committees were Public Safety & Military Affairs, Health, and Energy & Environmental Protection. The bill will pass on to the Finance Committee. The Department of Health and the Department of Defense supported the intent of the bill, but were concerned about the cost of the stations. All other testimonies were in support or strong support. Rep. Cindy Evans introduced the bill.

Public Invited to Forums on Depleted Uranium

By Rep. Cindy Evans
District 7 - North Kona, South Kohala
Chair - House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs

I will be hosting a series of West Hawaii community forums on depleted uranium discovered at Pohakuloa Training Area. Guest speakers include Col. Killian from the Army Installation Management Command and Mr. Russ Tanaka from the Department of Health - Noise, Radiation and Indoor Air Quality Division. West Hawaii residents are downwind of Pohakuloa. We need to know what is present and what is being done to protect us from harmful effects. The public is invited to take part in the following meetings:

Friday, November 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Waikoloa Library Workroom
Saturday, November 17, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Hokuloa United Church of Christ (69-1600 Puako Beach Rd.)
Saturday, November 17, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
Sunday, November 18, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Waimea Senior Center (next to Post Office).

If you have any questions, please call my office manager, Tommie Suganuma, at 808-586-8510.