THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	504
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, toxic substances that can contaminate drinking water, bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife, and have multiple adverse health effects on humans. PFAS are utilized in a broad range of products, including clothing, textiles, food packaging, and cosmetic products such as lotions, nail polish, shaving cream, and mascara.

The legislature further finds that PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they do not naturally break down in the environment and can continue to pollute the environment for thousands of years. PFAS can enter the human body when consumed, applied directly on skin, and after eating food packaged in materials that contain PFAS. In 2022, the legislature passed Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, which prohibits, by the end of 2024, PFAS in certain types of food packaging and firefighting foam. However, in light of the recent spill of approximately one thousand three hundred gallons of toxic PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Red Hill in November 2022, and the discovery of another firefighting foam spill in September 2020, it is evident that further action is needed.

As an island state, when these forever chemicals are brought here, they never leave. Instead, they make their way into our bodies, our wastewater, our landfills, and eventually into the groundwater and the drinking water supply. Hawaii can no longer afford to import toxic substances that contaminate the State's finite resources and risk residents' health.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prohibit the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains PFAS.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XLVII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§321-   Food packaging, food service ware, cosmetics, personal care products; prohibited items. Beginning December 31, 2026, it shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in the State any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains PFAS."

SECTION 3. Section 321-602, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

["[§321-602] Food packaging; prohibited items. (a) Beginning December 31, 2024, it shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in the State any food packaging specified in subsection (b) to which PFAS chemicals have been intentionally introduced in any amount.

(b) The prohibition under this section shall apply to wraps and liners, plates, food boats, and pizza boxes."]

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

PFAS; Food Packaging; Food Service Ware; Cosmetics; Personal Care Products; Prohibition

Description:

Beginning 12/31/2026, prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.