Bill Overview
Title: Red Hill WAI Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of the Navy to discontinue all fuel operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii and permanently close the facility in accordance with relevant Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Among other responsibilities, the Navy must reimburse the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Hawaii State Departments of Health and Education for expenditures made in response to the threats posed by operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
Sponsors: Rep. Kahele, Kaiali'i [D-HI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People in Hawaii potentially impacted by operations of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and its closure
Estimated Size: 1400000
- The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is located in Hawaii, indicating that the primary population directly impacted will be those in Hawaii.
- The bill requires reimbursement to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, suggesting that the facility's operations have affected water supply in the region.
- The Hawaii State Departments of Health and Education are mentioned for reimbursement due to the facility's operations, indicating potential health and educational impacts locally in Hawaii.
- Fuel operations at the facility could have implications for national security and military logistics, but the bill focuses primarily on local environmental and public health impacts in Hawaii.
Reasoning
- Since the Red Hill Facility is located in Hawaii, the immediate effects of the policy are expected to primarily impact residents in this area.
- People who rely on the water supply potentially contaminated by the facility will likely be directly affected, leading to possible improvements in public health and water quality post-policy.
- Residents employed by or associated with the facility might experience economic impacts, both positively due to cleanup jobs or negatively due to the loss of jobs related to fuel operations.
- Residents elsewhere in the U.S. may have minimal or no impact unless they are personally connected to someone in Hawaii or involved in national security related to the Navy.
- The current budgetary allocation suggests a significant investment towards managing the local environmental impacts, thus a focus on local populations is warranted.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am relieved that the facility is finally closing. It's been a concern for a while now.
- This closure is important for our community's health and safety.
- The reimbursement funds must be used resourcefully to mitigate past damages and prevent future ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Navy Officer (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the implications for military logistics, but public safety must come first.
- The closure needs to be managed in a way that doesn’t compromise national security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
School Teacher (Maui, Hawaii)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the funds trickle down to the educational system, especially for environmental curriculum.
- Our island hasn't seen direct impacts, but it would be good to see preventative measures statewide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Health Official (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These measures are vital for public health management, ideally reducing long-term health concerns.
- Improved water clarity and a healthier community are primary goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Pet Store Owner (Hilo, Hawaii)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a pet store owner, clean water is essential for my business and the local wildlife.
- Any positive change in our water quality will be greatly appreciated by the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Kauai, Hawaii)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s good to see the facility shutting down, the sooner the better.
- Ensuring future generations have a safe environment is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Closure sounds like a positive step; however, the transition must be swift to restore business confidence.
- Compensation and cleanup efforts should be prompt.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
College Student (Kona, Hawaii)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see action taken for the environment.
- I'm hopeful for internships or job opportunities as a result of these environmental policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Military Analyst (Mainland US (California))
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Closure might complicate fuel logistics significantly.
- It's vital to maintain strategic readiness even with environmental considerations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nurse (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Closing the facility should help reduce health risks in the community.
- I hope this policy leads to tangible health improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 3: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The closing of the Red Hill facility is a large logistics task with an uncertain cost if environmental damages prove extensive.
- There is a need for clear, accountable reimbursement processes for local institutions affected.
- Handling of facility materials must meet stringent environmental standards to avoid further contamination risks.