HI SB1118

Appropriates $800,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2014-2015 to be deposited into the environmental response revolving fund under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 128D-2.

Appropriates an additional $800,000 from the environmental response revolving fund for hazard evaluation and emergency response preparedness during fiscal year 2014-2015.

Addresses dangerously low balances in the environmental response revolving fund caused by reduced crude oil consumption in Hawaii, which funds the account through a $0.05 per barrel petroleum tax.

Prevents the Department of Health from laying off program staff that provide 24-hour hazard evaluation and emergency response services deployed for events such as hurricanes, lava flows, earthquakes, tsunamis, and industrial spills.

Takes effect upon approval and is recommended by the governor for immediate passage as an emergency measure under Hawaii Constitution Article VII, Section 9.