What is the comprehensive role of the Department of Health in relation to water in Hawaii?

What is the comprehensive role of the Department of Health in relation to water in Hawaii?

• A. Administers land ownership
• B. Administers the Water Quality Plan
• C. Awards mining leases
• D. Disposes government lands

Answer: (B)

The Department of Health in Hawaii plays a critical role in overseeing and ensuring the quality of water throughout the state. Specifically, the administration of the Water Quality Plan is key to this responsibility. This plan outlines the strategies and actions necessary to maintain and improve water quality, addressing issues such as pollution control and safe drinking water standards. The Department's engagement with the Water Quality Plan involves monitoring water sources, establishing regulations to protect these resources, and coordinating with various stakeholders to implement programs that enhance water safety and public health. By focusing on water quality, the Department directly contributes to environmental protection and the overall health of the community. The other options do not align with the primary functions of the Department of Health. While land ownership, mining leases, and the disposal of government lands are important aspects of resource management, they typically fall under the purview of other state agencies such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs rather than the Department of Health. Thus, the administration of the Water Quality Plan accurately reflects the Department's comprehensive role regarding water in Hawaii.

The Department of Health in Hawaii plays a critical role in overseeing and ensuring the quality of water throughout the state. Specifically, the administration of the Water Quality Plan is key to this responsibility. This plan outlines the strategies and actions necessary to maintain and improve water quality, addressing issues such as pollution control and safe drinking water standards.

The Department's engagement with the Water Quality Plan involves monitoring water sources, establishing regulations to protect these resources, and coordinating with various stakeholders to implement programs that enhance water safety and public health. By focusing on water quality, the Department directly contributes to environmental protection and the overall health of the community.

The other options do not align with the primary functions of the Department of Health. While land ownership, mining leases, and the disposal of government lands are important aspects of resource management, they typically fall under the purview of other state agencies such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs rather than the Department of Health. Thus, the administration of the Water Quality Plan accurately reflects the Department's comprehensive role regarding water in Hawaii.