HI HR205

Urges the Department of Health to develop a program with an educational component for proper disposal of fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and high pressure sodium lamps.

Requests the Department of Health use its regulatory authority to restrict or prevent disposal of these lamps in landfills or by incineration.

Notes that fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury (7mg and 2.5mg respectively) and high pressure sodium lamps contain 30mg of mercury, which is toxic to humans.

Highlights that one fluorescent lamp with 5mg of mercury can contaminate 6,000 gallons of water, and an estimated 8-10 million high pressure sodium lamps are imported annually into Hawaii.

Requires the Department of Health to submit a report of compliance actions and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.