(KHNL)
BIG ISLAND (KHNL) - The House Special Committee held its final meeting today on
vog-related issues covering everything from public safety, water quality and the effect vog is having on
Hawaii's agriculture and economy.
Vog to a certain degree leaves them in the fog
.
After a three hour meeting, it's still unclear what State and Federal agencies plan to do about the
vog problem across Hawaii, particularly on the
Big Island. The House Special Committee believes relief needs to come from
Washington.
"We really need to reach out to FEMA and congress for some help on this issue," said Robert Herkes, of the House Special Committee.
It's taking its toll on residents living near the volcano and in
Kohala where many are suffering from respiratory conditions.
"I've had people call me who have lived in Kohala for generations and their doctors are saying they have to leave, that's pretty serious," said Herkes.
A vog hotline is available for people who have questions but, political leaders said it's not enough because it's only active 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
"Vog doesn't take nights and weekends off," said Herkes. "People need the help right now."
For now islanders have to wait for the next legislative session while the committee puts together a final report.
"It's a wide ranging natural disaster that shows no end of stopping," said Herkes.
The committee needs go through 20 more pages of testimony. They will then work on a way to get that information out to people.
Source: KHNL
Author: Roger Mari