STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1347-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.C.R. No. 212

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 H.C.R. No. 212 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT 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,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Health to investigate and implement policies to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Water Supply of the City and County of Honolulu; Greenpeace Hawaii; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the American Chemistry Council.

Your Committee finds that PFAS are persistent, toxic substances that are harmful to the health of humans and wildlife. This measure urges the Department of Health to investigate and implement policies to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing 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 H.C.R. No. 212 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,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair