Hawaii lawmakers will explore vog
Hawaii residents can breathe easier — their lawmakers are on the case.
The Hawaii House of Representatives has formed a special committee to study the effects of air pollution from the Kilauea volcano.
House Speaker Calvin Say on Wednesday named eight lawmakers to the committee, most of them from the Big Island, where Kilauea has been erupting steadily since 1983.
In recent weeks the volcanic emissions, called vog, have blanketed much of the state, helped by a lack of strong trade winds. As a result, hospitals have reported an increase in respiratory problems.
The House committee will examine the vog's effects on public health and safety, agriculture, water quality, pets and other animals, and other areas.
"What is occurring is a natural disaster, but unlike a tsunami, hurricane, twister or major earthquake, it is not viewed as one," said Rep guaranteed cash advance loan payday loans. Robert Herkes, D-Puna, N. Kona, committee chairman. "The Legislature needs to focus on the impacts on Hawaii residents such as health and safety, loss of agricultural crops or the impact on tourism and jobs, and explore all avenues of relief."
Hawaii residents should not expect immediate results from the committee, which is expected to issue a report in time for the Legislature's 2009 regular session, which begins in January.