COM 1210.002 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES MILITARY TO ADDRESS THE HAZARDS OF DEPLETED URANIUM AT THE POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA. WHEREAS, in the early 1960's the United States Military used the P6hakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium (DU) in the. impact area at the U.S. Army Garrison, P6hakuloa; and WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive alpha particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause kidney and lung damage; and WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, disposal, and clean- up of munitions and other products or materials containing depleted uranium at the P6hakuloa Training Area to protect all residents of Hawaii Island; and WHEREAS, the United States Military is hereby requested, with urgency, to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the P6hakuloa Training Area with the following four- point plan: 1. Establish a permanent, high-tech monitoring system with procedures to ensure air quality control; 2. Establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with Military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; 3. Host quarterly meetings to update and inform the public; and 4. Ensure funds are available for the monitoring program; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that the U.S. Military will incorporate the four-point plan to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the P6hakuloa Training Area. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Deputy Region Director, Army Installation Management Command-Pacific; all members of the Hawaii State Legislature; Senator Daniel K. Inouye; Senator Daniel K. Akaka; Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono.