STAND. COM. REP. NO. 542-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1644

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1644, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Beginning December 31, 2024, ban the manufacture, sale, or distribution for sale or use of certain food packaging that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and

(2) Beginning July 1, 2024, ban the discharge or otherwise use for training purposes, manufacture, sale, or distribution for sale or use of Class B firefighting foams that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Surfrider Foundation, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii Restaurant Association, and American Chemistry Council.

Your Committee finds that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are chemicals that have been used in many consumer products since the 1940s. These chemicals accumulate in the human body, and exposure can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. This measure addresses the numerous environmental, health, and safety concerns related to the use of products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution in the State of certain food packaging and firefighting foams that contain these chemicals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1644, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair