Malu 'Aina

Aloha Peace Ohana,
Below are 2 DU State Senate Concurrent Resolutions (SCR 118 and SCR 89) introduced by Senators Gil Kahele and Malama Solomon.   Rep.Faye Hanohano introduced one in the House.
The 2 resolutions are similar but the SCR 118 has more extensive whereas.
Please pass the word and encourage legislators to support the resolutions.

Jim Albertini

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

P.O.Box AB

Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760

phone: 808-966-7622

email: JA@interpac.net

Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org

Introduced by: SOLOMON, KAHELE, Dela Cruz, English, Ryan

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=118

THE SENATE
S.C.R. NO.
118
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION

Urging the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation to call for comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to determine the extent of radioactive contamination at the pohakuloa training area.

WHEREAS, after years of repeatedly denying the use of depleted uranium in Hawaii, it has been confirmed that the United States Army used depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii, Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu, and possibly other sites in the State; and

WHEREAS, the documented use of M101 spotting rounds, containing depleted uranium, for training purposes in conjunction with the Davy Crockett recoilless gun and the possible use of other spotting rounds or weapon systems that utilize depleted uranium have created the presence of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

WHEREAS, the license granted to the United States Army by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission to possess depleted uranium expired in 1964; and

WHEREAS, the full extent of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area is unknown because less than one per cent of the 133,000 acre installation has been tested; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of approximately 4.5 billion years; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive particles that can cause cancer, cell mutations, birth defects, and other possible health problems when inhaled or ingested; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 639-08, by a vote of eight to one, urging the United States military to order a complete halt to all bombing, live firing exercises, and other activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area that create dust until there is an assessment and clean up of the depleted uranium; and

WHEREAS, although the depleted uranium has not been cleaned up, live firing exercises continue to be conducted at the Pohakuloa Training Area, thereby risking the spread of radioactive contamination on and off the installation; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 639-08 also urged the United States military to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, on August 13, 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted, by a unanimous vote, Resolution No. 701-08, designating Dr. Lorrin Pang as a member of the citizens’ advisory committee upon the establishment of a citizen monitoring system; and

WHEREAS, the United States military has failed to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address the potential hazards of radioactive contamination to troops, citizens, and visitors to the Pohakuloa Training Area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are urged to call for comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring, to be conducted with civilian oversight to determine the extent of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are also requested to seek federal funds to support this testing and monitoring effort; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; the Commander, United States Pacific Command; the Commander, United States Army Garrison-Hawaii; the members of the United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the United States House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; the Governor; and the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.

THE SENATE
S.C.R. NO.
89

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

strongly urging comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to DETERMINE the extent of radiation contamination at the pohakuloa training area.

WHEREAS, in the early 1960s, the United States Military used the Pohakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium in the impact area at the United States Army Garrison, Pohakuloa; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and

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

WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause damage in several human organ systems; and

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

WHEREAS, in 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 639-08, Draft 2, urging the United States Military to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area by establishing a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring is recommended to determine the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recommend citizen oversight of independent testing and monitoring to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that federal funds, if available, are requested to help with the independent testing and monitoring process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; members of the Defense Subcommittee of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee; members of the Subcommittee on Defense of the United States House Appropriations Committee; Commander, United States Pacific Command; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Hawaii; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Pohakuloa; members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation; and Governor.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Entomb the damaged Japan nuclear power plants NOW with sand and concrete before complete meltdown and widespread global contamination. Any further delay and it maybe too late.

Resist U.S. Wars of Aggression
& Occupation!

On March 19, 2003, the U.S. launched its illegal and immoral “shock and awe” bombing, invasion, and occupation of Iraq.  This weekend marks the eighth anniversary of that criminal enterprise that was based on lies of Iraq weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) when clearly it was an imperial war for control of oil.  In its 8 years of war the U.S. has engaged in documented torture, the slaughter of innocent civilians, destroyed the infrastructure of Iraq,  and contaminated the people, plants and animals, as well as the cradle of civilization with radioactive depleted uranium that has a half-life of 4.6 billion years.

The number of Iraqis slaughtered since the U.S. Invaded Iraq now totals 1,421,933
See www.justforeignpolicy.org/iraq/iraqdeaths.html
The number of U.S. military personnel sacrificed (Officially acknowledged) In America’s War On Iraq:  now stands at 4,757  See  icasualties.org/oif/

In the initial U.S. bombing of Baghdad 8 years ago, 11 year old Ali Ismaeel Abbas was badly burned over much of his body, lost both his arms and 15 relatives, including his mother and father.  I don’t know whether Ali ever survived his injuries but each week we bring a photo of him placed on a cross with the words “Iraq Crucified” written on that cross and an oil can placed on top to represent the reason for which he was attacked.

Today the U.S. war in Iraq continues.  There are still 50,000 U.S. troops there and tens of thousands of U.S. contractors/mercenaries.  The killing continues.  And the endless war has spread to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and now includes the threat of military action against Libya.

How Many More Deaths?

How many more Trillions of Dollars will be wasted on death and destruction while schools are closed, jobs and health insurance lost, homes and businesses foreclosed, human services cut back, while our taxes go for weapons and war?

This weekend all over the U.S. and in much of the world, people are joining together in anti-war protests to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the U.S. attack on Iraq.  The message is much the same: All U.S. and NATO troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan NOW!  Stop these Wars!  No more killing, often children, or secret incarceration of alleged terrorists and torturing them in our name! Cut military funding and fund programs that will meet human needs and create jobs at home.

Please join us in this weekly witness to the evils of war!

(There will be an open mic at this week’s peace vigil)

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties. 4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, etc.
5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Contact: Malu `Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box AB Kurtistown, Hawai`i 96760.
Phone (808) 966-7622.  Email ja@interpac.net   http://www.malu-aina.org
Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet (March 18, 2011 – 496th week) – Friday 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

Russ Takata  Radiation Chief State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH),
The recent Press release (3/14 attached) I read form Hi Gov. does not square with the reports below.
Hawaii appears to be understating the seriousness of the events in Japan.  See links for more details.
Jim

America on radiation alert: Japan faces world’s worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl as experts warn fallout may reach U.S. –California ‘monitoring situation closely’ amid dramatic escalation of disaster –Japan’s nuclear crisis now appears worse than the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979 –Radioactive wind could reach Tokyo within hours – and radiation levels are already rising in city –Nuclear Regulatory Commission admits it is ‘quite possible’ radiation could reach the U.S. –‘Worst-case scenario’ could see 30,000ft winds sending nuclear cloud across Pacific – possibly hitting by Tuesday night 15 Mar 2011 Fears that America could be hit by the nuclear fallout from the Japan earthquake have dramatically increased as workers prepared to abandon a reactor crippled by the earthquake and tsunami last night in the face of what is set to become the world’s second worst nuclear disaster – topped only by Chernobyl. Damage at the number two reactor at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power complex is worse than thought, the Japanese government admitted tonight, sparking fears for human health both in Japan and the U.S. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has admitted it is ‘quite possible’ the fallout could reach America.

Navy ships off Japan move to avoid radiation 14 Mar 2011 Ships in 7th Fleet, including the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, moved to avoid a radioactive plume flowing from a damaged Japanese nuclear power plant, the Navy said. In a post Monday on the fleet’s Facebook page, an official explained that low levels of radiation were detected in the air and on aircraft flying near the plant, a discovery that prompted the ships to move to a position away from the plume’s downwind path. The Reagan was at sea, around 100 miles northeast of the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear power plant, when the hazardous material was discovered.

U.S. Military Crew Passes Through Radioactive Cloud –Prevailing winds picking up radioactive material from crippled reactors in northeastern Japan –U.S. helicopters flying missions north of damaged reactors became coated with particulate radiation 14 Mar 2011 The Pentagon was expected to announce that the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, which is sailing in the Pacific, passed through a radioactive cloud from stricken nuclear reactors in Japan, causing crew members on deck to receive a month’s worth of radiation in about an hour, government officials said Sunday. The officials added that American helicopters flying missions about 60 miles north of the damaged reactors became coated with particulate radiation that had to be washed off.

Radiation spewing from reactors, residents told to stay indoors 15 Mar 2011 Radiation is spewing from damaged reactors at a crippled nuclear power plant in tsunami-ravaged northeastern Japan in a dramatic escalation of the 4-day-old catastrophe, forcing the government to tell people nearby to stay indoors to avoid exposure. Prime Minister Naoto Kan warned that there are dangers of more leaks and told people living within 30 kilometres of the Fukushima Daiichi complex stay indoors. In a nationally televised statement, Kan said radiation has spread from four reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima province that was one of the hardest-hit in Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the ensuing tsunami.

Radiation fears after Japan blast 15 Mar 2011 Radiation fears after Japan blast 15 Mar 2011 Explosions at a Japanese quake-stricken nuclear plant have led to radiation levels that can affect human health, a senior Japanese official has said. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has urged those living within 30km (18 miles) of the plant to stay indoors. Earlier, reactor 2 at the Fukushima Daiichi plant was hit by a blast – the third reactor to explode in four days – leading to fears of a meltdown.

Rise in radiation detected in neighboring Ibaraki Prefecture: local nuclear authorities 15 Mar 2011 A sharp rise in radiation was detected in Ibaraki Prefecture, south of Fukushima, the prefectural nuclear safety department said Tuesday. The radiation monitored in Hitachiota city rose to 100 times as high as the normal level, said an official from the safety department. Radiation ten times as high as the normal level was also monitored in Naka city and Hitachi city in the prefecture, Xinhua reported.

Japan distributes iodine to evacuation centres-IAEA 14 Mar 2011 Japan has provided 230,000 units of stable iodine to evacuation centres as a precautionary measure in the country’s nuclear emergency, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Monday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing information it had received from Japanese authorities, said about 185,000 residents in areas near nuclear power plants affected by Friday’s quake had been evacuated by March 13.

Japan’s Stricken Nuclear Power Plant Rocked by Two Blasts, Fire 15 Mar 2011 Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s stricken nuclear power plant was today rocked by two further explosions and a fire as workers struggled to avert the risk of a meltdown. A hydrogen blast hit the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant’s No. 4 reactor, where Tokyo Electric earlier reported a blaze, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said at a briefing. Four of the complex’s six reactors have been damaged by explosions. Prime Minister Naoto Kan appealed for calm as he said the danger of further radiation leaks was rising at the crippled nuclear facility, 135 miles (220 kilometers) north of Tokyo.

4th reactor of Fukushima NPP on fire: Japan’s PM 15 Mar 2011 A fire at the fourth reactor of the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant resulted in a leak of highly concentrated radiation, the Japanese premier said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Naoto Kan called on the citizens residing within the 20-km (13 miles) distance from the reactor to immediately leave this zone and those living more than 20-30 km (13-17 miles) from the NPP to stay in their houses, but to shut windows and doors.

Japan crisis: third explosion raises spectre of nuclear nightmare –New explosion at Fukushima plant, as engineers fought to prevent a meltdown in the second worst nuclear accident in history. 14 Mar 2011 A huge explosion hit another reactor at an earthquake-damaged Japanese nuclear power plant early Tuesday, the third blast since Saturday, the plant operator said. “There was a huge explosion” between 6:00 am (2100 GMT Monday) and 6:15 am at the number-two reactor of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant, a Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) spokesman said. The government also reported apparent damage to part of the container shielding the same reactor at Fukushima 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Tokyo, although it was unclear whether this resulted from the blast.

US Nuclear Experts Worry About Possible Japan Reactor Meltdown 13 Mar 2011 Underscoring grave concerns about the Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant some 150 miles north of Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. Air Force had delivered coolant to try to lower the temperature of the facility’s nuclear rods. Tokyo Electric Power Co said pressure inside a reactor at its Fukushima-Daiichi plant rose after the cooling system was knocked out by the earthquake.

Reactor Fuel Rods May Be Melting After Exposed a Second Time 14 Mar 2011 Tokyo Electric Power Co. can’t rule out that the fuel rods are melting at the Fukushima Dai Ichi No. 2 reactor, heightening the risk of a meltdown, after water levels dropped, exposing them a second time. An air flow gauge was accidentally turned off causing air pressure into the reactor to rise suddenly and blocking the flow of cooling water, the company said in a press conference on national broadcaster NHK’s website. Tokyo Electric is now attempting to reopen the valve to release pressure building inside the reactor and inject water to cool the rods, the company said.

At least 15 Japanese hospitalized with radiation poisoning 13 Mar 2011 At least 15 people have been admitted to hospital with symptoms of radiation poisoning following an accident at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Kyodo news agency said on Sunday. A blast ripped through the Fukushima Number One nuclear reactor on Saturday, destroying the building, but leaving the nuclear reactor itself undamaged, according to official Japanese reports.

Japan’s Nikkei slumps 10.6% on radiation fears 15 Mar 2011 Japanese shares plunged Tuesday on panic-selling over worries that radiation from a damaged nuclear reactor would further complicate and endanger the nation’s recovery from its worst-ever earthquake on record Friday. The benchmark Nikkei Stock Average, which fell more than 14% at one point during the session, ended 10.6% to 8,605.15 for its biggest percentage fall since late 2008; the drop comes on top of a 6.2% tumble on Monday.

State of Hawaii Press Release

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release
NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LORETTA FUDDY, ACTING DIRECTOR
Phone: (808) 586-4410
Fax: (808) 586-4444
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(more)
For Immediate Release: March 14, 2011 11-024
DOH WORKS WITH NATIONAL PARTNERS TO MONITOR AIR;
NO ELEVATED LEVELS OF RADIATION DETECTED
HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has not detected any elevated
radiation readings, and air samples remain at ambient or normal background levels following a
small release of radiation Saturday at a nuclear reactor facility in Japan. The release of radiation
occurred from two nuclear reactors in Japan that were damaged in Friday’s earthquake and
tsunami. The DOH Indoor and Radiological Health Branch (IRHB) is closely monitoring information
on the radiation release, and with the current size of the release and the distance from Hawaii, no
public health risk to the state is expected.
The DOH in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a system in place for
ambient monitoring for radioactive dust. The system (RADNET) looks at real-time data as well as
particulate sampling (from monitors located on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii) which are analyzed
by the DOH and at a laboratory in Alabama. At this time, the department has no indication of any
readings above normal background levels and does not expect any “spikes” due to the limited
amount of material released and the current environmental conditions.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released a statement on March 13 stating, “All the
available information indicates weather conditions have taken the small releases from the
Fukushima reactors out to sea away from the population. Given the thousands of miles between
the two countries, Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. West Coast are not expected to
experience any harmful levels of radioactivity.” A news release from the Japan Nuclear and
Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) indicated that the amount of radioactive material released from the
DOH Works with National Partners to Monitor Air; No Elevated Levels of Radiation Detected
Page 2
(more)
Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station was relatively small. However, should the situation
change, the department is making preparations by coordinating with national and statewide
partners and ensuring medical stockpiles are readily available.
The department’s Radiological Health staff is currently working with other state and federal entities
on radioactive plume modeling. All models are based on real-time atmospheric conditions and
indicate that the release is headed away from the Hawaiian Islands.
For further information go to the DOH website at www.hawaii.gov/doh
or go to the following sites:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert/monitoring.html
http://epa.gov/narel/radnet/
# # #

UPDATE: March 14, 2011

Is Hawaii at risk from Japan’s nuclear accidents?

FYI  Just sent to Russ Takata, press, state and county officials

Russ Takata,  (State of Hawaii DOH Radiation chief)
The silence of the State is irresponsible.  There should be some type of advisory, especially for the health of children –eat kelp to counteract radioactive iodine.  Radiation watch.  Radiation warning. Some type of level alert.

Something!

All three reactors at Fukushima have now had explosions.  The #2 (middle) reactor appears to be the most serious.

This just in. See below. This would seem to confirm the worst fears that 1 or more reactors is headed for complete meltdown and there will be widespread contamination, not only in Japan but across the Pacific, possibly Hawaii and the U.S., etc. contaminating people, food crops, fish, etc.
Jim

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) — Japanese equities crashed Tuesday on panic selling after Prime Minister Naoto Kan said a “substantial amount” of radiation was leaking from a nuclear power plant affected by Friday’s massive earthquake and tsunami.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said there was high risk of radiation leak from the facility, and asked residents near the facility to stay indoors, saying “substantial amounts of radiation are leaking in the area.”
The sell-off was made worse by reports citing readings from the Tokyo metropolitan government that radiation levels in the Japanese capital surged to 23 times the normal level Tuesday.
—
Jim Albertini

*******************************

Press Release: Is Hawaii at risk from Japan’s nuclear accidents? March 13, 2011

further contact: Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O.Box AB
Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760
phone: 808-966-7622
email: JA@interpac.net
Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and we want to be part of a Hawaii relief effort for Japan’s suffering.  That said, we need to ask hard questions of government officials in Japan and Hawaii and demand straightforward facts and information about Japan’s nuclear power reactors –the nuclear meltdowns that can affect millions in Japan and across the world, as well as the Pacific ocean.
Hawaii was spared injury and loss of life from the recent Tsunami, but are we in Hawaii at risk of a possible invisible radiation “Tsunami” carried by the wind and rain?

What, if any, contingency plans are in place by Civil Defense in the event of meltdowns/explosions at nuclear plants in Japan possibly bringing radiation in the wind and in the rain to Hawaii?
Upper winds travel west to east –from Japan to Hawaii.  We know from atmospheric testing days that radiation was brought down in rain.
Is radiation monitoring currently being conducted? Is Hawaii at risk of Japan’s nuclear accidents?  How many hours would it take for radiation from Japan to reach Hawaii?

See the statement below by Dr. Ira Helfland, MD, of Physicians for Social Responsibility noting that “After one year of operation, a commercial nuclear reactor contains 1000 times as much radioactivity as was released by the Hiroshima bomb.”

Ira Helfand, MD, Physicians for Social Responsibility:

“It is not known how much radiation has been or will ultimately be released from the damaged Daiichi nuclear reactor in Japan, but as found by the National Academy Sciences, any exposure to radiation increases a person’s risk of cancer.  No one, including the plants operators, can say what is going to happen, and potentially millions of people are in harm’s way. The Japanese government should be preparing for the worst-case scenario. After one year of operation, a commercial nuclear reactor contains 1000 times as much radioactivity as was released by the Hiroshima bomb. From a public health perspective, the most important isotopes are short-lived isotopes of iodine (like Iodine-131), Cesium-137, Strontium-90, and possibly Plutonium-239.  Radioactive iodine caused thousands of cases of thyroid cancer in children after the Chernobyl accident.  Cesium and strontium cause a number of different kinds of cancer and remain dangerous for hundreds of years; plutonium causes lung cancer as well as other types of cancer and remains deadly for hundreds of thousands of years.”

For additional background information, please refer to
http://www.psr.org/nuclear-bailout/japan-earthquakenuclear.pdf
-pau-