HB 1926: Red Hill Remediation Special Fund; Remediation; Monitoring and Testing; Groundwater Modeling and Sampling; Water Data Testing and Verification; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO RED HILL.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that numerous fuel spills have occurred over the decades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the most recent occurrence on November 20, 2021.  One of the results of the November 2021 fuel spill was the birth of the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI), a working group that met regularly in 2023 and posed questions, conducted research, listened to subject-matter experts, and formulated recommended policies regarding how to address the various, complex environmental and public-health hazards caused by the various releases of fuel.

     After much diligent work, the Red Hill WAI issued a public report in November 2023 that set forth its findings and recommendations.  Some of the recommendations can only be addressed by the federal government, while other recommendations can be undertaken by the State and city and county of Honolulu.  The legislature further finds that there is an urgent and crucial need for further research on how to accelerate the degradation of fuel in the environment to prevent the fuel from reaching potable-water sources and for a better understanding of the unique hydrology of Red Hill through groundwater modeling.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of land and natural resources for these purposes.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be allocated in the following manner:

     (1)  $           for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility;

     (2)  $           for environmental monitoring and testing;

     (3)  $           for research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and

     (4)  $           for independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense for all of the costs identified in section 3 of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on November 20, 2121.

Report Title:

Red Hill Remediation Special Fund; Remediation; Monitoring and Testing; Groundwater Modeling and Sampling; Water Data Testing and Verification; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.  Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense.  Effective 11/20/2121.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO RED HILL.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that numerous fuel spills have occurred over the decades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the most recent occurrence on November 20, 2021.  One of the results of the November 2021 fuel spill was the birth of the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI), a working group that met regularly in 2023 and posed questions, conducted research, listened to subject-matter experts, and formulated recommended policies regarding how to address the various, complex environmental and public-health hazards caused by the various releases of fuel.

     After much diligent work, the Red Hill WAI issued a public report in November 2023 that set forth its findings and recommendations.  Some of the recommendations can only be addressed by the federal government, while other recommendations can be undertaken by the State and city and county of Honolulu.  The legislature further finds that there is an urgent and crucial need for further research on how to accelerate the degradation of fuel in the environment to prevent the fuel from reaching potable-water sources and for a better understanding of the unique hydrology of Red Hill through groundwater modeling.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of land and natural resources for these purposes.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be allocated in the following manner:

     (1)  $           for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility;

     (2)  $           for environmental monitoring and testing;

     (3)  $           for research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and

     (4)  $           for independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense for all of the costs identified in section 3 of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Red Hill Remediation Special Fund; Remediation; Monitoring and Testing; Groundwater Modeling and Sampling; Water Data Testing and Verification; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.  Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to red hill.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that numerous fuel spills have occurred over the decades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the most recent occurrence on November 20, 2021.  One of the results of the November 2021 fuel spill was the birth of the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI), a working group that met regularly in 2023 and posed questions, conducted research, listened to subject-matter experts, and formulated recommended policies regarding how to address the various, complex environmental and public-health hazards caused by the various releases of fuel.

     After much diligent work, the Red Hill WAI issued a public report in November 2023 that set forth its findings and recommendations.  Some of the recommendations can only be addressed by the federal government, while other recommendations can be undertaken by the State and city and county of Honolulu.  The legislature further finds that there is an urgent and crucial need for further research on how to accelerate the degradation of fuel in the environment to prevent the fuel from reaching potable-water sources and for a better understanding of the unique hydrology of Red Hill through groundwater modeling.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of land and natural resources for these purposes.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $11,169,513 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the Red Hill remediation special fund established pursuant to section 174E-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $11,169,513 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be allocated in the following manner:

     (1)  $2,800,193 for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility;

     (2)  $4,379,320 for environmental monitoring and testing;

     (3)  $750,000 for research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and

     (4)  $3,240,000 for independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense for all of the costs identified in section 3 of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Red Hill Remediation Special Fund; Remediation; Monitoring and Testing; Groundwater Modeling and Sampling; Water Data Testing and Verification; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.  Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  971-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1926

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1926, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RED HILL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds into and out of the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund for studies, environmental monitoring and testing, research, and independent testing and verification related to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek full reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense for all costs associated with the appropriation.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center; University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering; City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Free Access Coalition; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Reef & Ocean Coalition; Shimanchu Wai Protectors; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; and numerous individuals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1926, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  586-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1926

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1926, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RED HILL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for studies on the remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  

     Your Committee finds that numerous fuel spills have occurred over the decades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including the most recent occurrence on November 20, 2021.  One of the results of the November 2021 fuel spill was the birth of the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI), a working group that met regularly in 2023 and posed questions, conducted research, listened to subject-matter experts, and recommended policies on how to address the various, complex environmental and public-health hazards caused by the various releases of fuel.  Your Committee further finds that the findings of the Red Hill WAI gave rise to an urgent and crucial need for further research on how to quickly degrade fuel in the environment to prevent it from reaching potable water sources and on the unique hydrology of Red Hill through groundwater modeling.  This measure provides the funds needed to timely conduct this research but, in requiring the Department to seek reimbursement from the federal government, acknowledges the Red Hill WAI's assertion that the ultimate responsibility for the contamination and its impacts rests with the United States Navy, Department of Defense, and government.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1926, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  52-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1926

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1926 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RED HILL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense for these expenditures.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Board of Water Supply of the City and County of Honolulu; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that this measure supports the remediation and long-term stewardship of Oahu's precious groundwater resources.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriations to unspecified amounts; and

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $11,169,513 into and out of the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund, to be allocated in the following manner:

     (1)  $2,800,193 for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility;

     (2)  $4,379,320 for environmental monitoring and testing;

     (3)  $750,000 for research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and

     (4)  $3,240,000 for independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1926, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1926, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,