STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1862-24
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2024
RE: S.C.R. No. 130
S.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2024
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 130, S.D. 1, entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO TAKE ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO REQUIRE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS TO TEST SEWAGE SLUDGE AND ANY OTHER RESIDUAL MATERIAL FOR THE PRESENCE OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Americans for Democratic Action; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and one individual.
Your Committee finds that reclaimed water can be contaminated with PFAS, which can then be introduced into the food system if the reclaimed water is used for irrigation for food agriculture. Your Committee further finds that PFAS found in reclaimed water and sludge pose a serious range of health risks and that testing and monitoring of PFAS at waste water treatment plants is crucial in protecting public health. This measure urges the Department of Health to take all action necessary to require wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge and any other residual material for the presence of PFAS.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 130, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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