12. Protect Hawai`i and Our Soldiers from Depleted Uranium

WHEREAS the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and

WHEREAS the chemical and radiological toxicity of depleted uranium has been a reported cause of kidney dysfunction, damage to lung cells that increases the possibility of lung cancer, neurological disorders, liver infection, and high miscarriage rates among military personnel who have returned from a designated combat zone where depleted uranium munitions have been used; and

WHEREAS these munitions and armor have been used extensively in the 1991 Gulf War and during the three years since the 2003 invasion of Iraq; and

WHEREAS the military use and disposal of depleted uranium munitions have caused significant environmental impact and depleted uranium has been found in contaminated ground surfaces that, over time, will lead to food and ground water contamination; and

WHEREAS the Military lied to the people and legislators of Hawai`i saying they had not used depleted uranium in live fire exercises and expended DU penetrators were subsequently found at Schofield on 'Oahu; and

WHEREAS reliable reports indicate widespread military non-compliance with regulations, orders, and directives, for example, Medical Management of Unusual Depleted Uranium Casualties, October 14, 1993; Medical Management of Army Personnel Exposed to Depleted Uranium, April 20, 2004; and section 2-5 of Army Regulations 700-48, requiring prompt medical care to all exposed individuals; and

WHEREAS there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products containing depleted uranium; now,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Local, State and Federal Legislators of Hawai`i:

• demand that no more live fire exercises using uranium weaponry or armor be conducted on Hawai`i land, and

• do everything in their power to make sure that our soldiers, veterans and exposed civilians get the screening and treatment they need if they were exposed to uranium dust and smoke, and

• Conduct an environmental assessment of the scope and adequacy of depleted uranium storage and disposal in Hawai`i and compile a report on training received by members of the Armed Forces on exposure to depleted uranium; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Adjutant General is requested to consult with and inform the Department of Health on the environmental assessment.