HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 002 02/06/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: February 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 101/ Res. 39-07
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
TIME: 8:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Resolution 39-07, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 39-07, transmitted by Councilmember Bob Jacobson, via Communication No. 101, dated
January 18, 2007, urges Congress to fund mandatory testing for depleted uranium testing on all returning
military personnel from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and all other theaters where depleted uranium
weapons are being used.
Councilmember Jacobson explained that the purpose of this resolution was to ask Congress to appropriate
funds so that military people returning from Iraq and Iran and other war zones that were using weapons
containing depleted uranium could be tested. He stated that the goal is to protect the troops from health
issues, including reproductive and childbirth problems. The current method is ineffective, because it
requires a very high concentration of uranium to obtain any reading. He hopes that this resolution will
encourage Congress to do more thorough testing. Chairman Hoffman felt the concern was justified; it
would be good for Congress to pursue legislation. As a veteran, he felt it was important for government
to protect servicemen. Councilmember Higa said he would support broader testing, not just for uranium.
Councilmember Pilago suggested that the Council use NACo to further this resolution to the Federal
level.
You're Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Resolution 39-07, and recommends its adoption.
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Hues NOES w&e Ex Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
PILAGO X BRENDA FO ,CHAIR
vAGONG X PWIRCREPORTNO. 2
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: FEB Z Z ZOO7