THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	64
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

Requesting the University of Hawaii to conduct a study relating to asbestos prevalence and abatement in residential properties in the State.

 

 

        WHEREAS, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its damaging effects to human health; and

 

        WHEREAS, damage or disturbance to asbestos-containing materials releases microscopic fibers into the air, which can remain airborne for weeks; and

 

        WHEREAS, inhaled asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs' soft tissues, forming scar tissue that blocks airways and may lead to deadly conditions, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer; and

 

        WHEREAS, residential structures built prior to 1978 likely contain asbestos, since asbestos-containing materials were used for residential construction until the mid-1980s; and

 

        WHEREAS, other municipalities in the United States require an asbestos survey and abatement prior to demolition or renovation of a residential property; and

 

        WHEREAS, asbestos abatement is not required for the demolition or renovation of residential properties in the State, allowing for potential asbestos exposure to families and workers; and

 

        WHEREAS, the State lacks an estimate of the number of residential properties potentially containing asbestos and the degree of danger faced by those occupying or working on residential properties undergoing renovations; and

 

        WHEREAS, the State has an interest in knowing the number of residential properties estimated to contain dangerous levels of asbestos and the potential beneficial impacts on citizens if asbestos abatement for residential property renovations were conducted in the same manner as for commercial property renovations; now, therefore,

 

        BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the University of Hawaii is requested to conduct a study identifying:

 

        (1)   The estimated number of residential structures containing dangerous levels of asbestos in the State; and

 

        (2)   The potential impact of a State-mandated asbestos abatement process prior to renovation or demolition of a residential property, similar to those followed in other jurisdictions, on the State's contractor industry and permitting process; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2024; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health, President of the University of Hawai   i System, and Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:  

University of Hawaii; asbestos; residential properties; study