Akaka and Abercrombie
Introduce Bills to Address Dumping of Chemical Weapons in Hawaii
2/16/2006 10:13:33 AM
February 16, 2006
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka and Congressman Neil Abercrombie
today introduced joint legislation addressing the need for a comprehensive
study and analysis of chemical munitions in and around Hawaii.
The bills call for:
- An underwater survey of sites where
chemical munitions are believed to have been dumped;
- Monitoring confirmed dump sites and
Hawaii coastal waters for possible release of harmful agents;
- A research program to study the long-term
effects of sea water on chemical weapons; and
- Reporting to Congress on the public
health and environmental risks posed by the dump sites, and the feasibility
and estimated remediation costs.
Senator Akaka stated, "The Department of Defense has made tremendous strides
in protecting the health and welfare of our citizens. However, given the
hazardous risks that these munitions may pose, it is important for Congress
to send the right message, specifically in this case, and ensure that the
Army completes its survey, monitors the sites, and provides a plan for remediation."
Congressman Abercrombie added, "The presence of these munitions in island
waters raises serious questions of public health and safety. We need to get
a handle on locations, quantities and potential dangers. Our goal is to
get the facts, and then move to a well thought out plan of action. The Department
of Defense will have to be deeply involved in gathering this information,
and that's why we're using the annual National Defense Authorization bill
as the legislative vehicle."
Senator Akaka and Representative Abercrombie joined forces following an
"information paper" by the U.S. Army that indicated a review of future research
on identifying sea-disposal sites of Chemical Warfare Materiel.
Senator Akaka is a senior member on the Senate Armed Services Committee
and the Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support.
Congressman Abercrombie is a member of the House Committee on Armed Services,
where he is the Ranking Member on the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.
Media Alert: Senator Akaka and Congressman Abercrombie will be holding
a press conference to discuss this legislation on Sunday, February 19th
at 1:00 p.m. at the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.