HI HCR163

Urges the Department of Health to prioritize testing and research of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) levels and other pollutants in beach sand at Pokai Bay, making it a priority of the Department's non-point source pollution program.

Requests the Department of Health develop a plan to increase water circulation at Pokai Bay to improve water quality and mitigate environmental and health risks from pollution and contaminants.

Requests the Department of Health collaborate with appropriate state and county agencies on the water circulation plan and submit a report with findings, cost estimates, and proposed legislation to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the 2023 Regular Session.

Requests the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation prioritize renovations of restroom facilities at Pokai Bay based on the Department of Health's testing and research findings.

Identifies pollution sources at Pokai Bay including runoff from streets and parking lots, illegal dumping, moored boats, boat ramp petrochemicals, and bacteria from homeless encampments and inadequate restroom facilities.