THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	146
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO INVESTIGATE AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES TO REDUCE THE IMPORTATION OF PRODUCTS, PACKAGING, OR MATERIALS CONTAINING PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES INTO THE STATE.

WHEREAS, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, or forever chemicals, are persistent toxic substances that can contaminate drinking water, bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife, have adverse health effects on humans, and do not break down in the environment; and

WHEREAS, scientific studies have shown that exposure to PFAS is harmful to the health and well-being of humans and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, PFAS exposure has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, lower antibody response to some vaccines, changes in liver enzymes, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, decreases in birth weight, kidney and testicular cancer, and decreased fertility; and

WHEREAS, despite the adverse health effects, PFAS continue to be used in a variety of products, packaging, and materials that are imported into the State; and

WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated rules to dramatically reduce maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in drinking water, but has not yet taken action to phase out the production of PFAS or their use in a wide variety of everyday products; and

WHEREAS, any PFAS imported into the State pose a risk to human health and will eventually enter the food chain and contaminate already scarce drinking water aquifers; and

WHEREAS, the State has a duty to protect the health and safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, the State should limit, to the extent possible, the further importation of new PFAS into Hawaii; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Department of Health is urged to investigate and implement policies to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing PFAS into the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to pursue funding for the implementation of the investigation to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing PFAS into the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health and Deputy Director for Environmental Health Administration.

Report Title:

DOH; PFAS; Forever Chemicals; Health; Environment; Imports