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: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: People in Hawaii
Estimated Size: 1400000
- The Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is located in Hawaii, so individuals living in Hawaii are the primary population affected by any operations or closures at the facility.
- The contamination of water supply from the facility could potentially impact the health and quality of life for residents who rely on the affected water sources.
- The legislation mentions the involvement of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, indicating the affected population likely includes individuals serviced by this water supply.
- The Hawaii State Departments of Health and Education indicate the broader impact on public health services and educational institutions, which can affect children and families in Hawaii.
- The environmental regulations associated with the closure could have broader implications for individuals concerned with environmental protection and safety in Hawaii.
Reasoning
- The primary audience affected by this policy are people located in Hawaii due to the geographical proximity to the Red Hill Facility.
- The budget allows for the immediate and long-term costs associated with the closure and remediation efforts, providing financial support to state departments.
- Some people in Hawaii may see improved wellbeing if they have been negatively impacted by water contamination or pollution.
- The population's response will vary based on their proximity to the facility, their understanding of the issue, and how much they rely on the impacted water sources.
- It is also important to consider that not every resident will feel a direct impact from this change if their area was not directly affected by contamination from the facility.
Simulated Interviews
Engineer (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe closing the facility is crucial for the safety of our water supply.
- I have been concerned about reports of contamination for years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
School Teacher (Maui, Hawaii)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to see steps taken to protect our environment.
- I hope this sets a precedent for future environmental policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Kauai, Hawaii)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't expect to see much change as I'm on Kauai, far from the facility.
- I do appreciate efforts to ensure our islands' safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This move is a big win for our natural resources.
- It aligns with my studies and feels validating.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public health has been a concern due to potential contamination.
- This policy is a necessary step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Farmer (Hilo, Hawaii)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My crops need clean water, so this is vital for my livelihood.
- I'm optimistic about the future with this change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Barista (Kona, Hawaii)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Closing Red Hill shows a commitment to environmental protection.
- It encourages more public involvement and awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Civil Servant (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a necessary action for the wellbeing of our residents.
- It sets a precedent for how government should handle environmental issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This closure is an important step in safeguarding community health.
- It's a relief to see this issue addressed after years of study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Local Business Owner (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's critical to ensure our infrastructure is safe for businesses and families.
- This policy is a move in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Key Considerations
- The high initial costs of facility closure and environmental remediation need careful budgeting.
- Potential changes in Navy's logistical requirements will require planning to ensure national security interests are not compromised.
- Importance of fulfilling reimbursement obligations to maintain public trust and improve community relations.