STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1391-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.R. No. 187

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.R. No. 187 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES TESTING GRANT PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Health to collaborate with the University of Hawaii to establish a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Grant Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii; Americans for Democratic Action; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are thought to pose a serious toxicity risk to humans, organisms, and the environment. Your Committee further finds that these chemicals have been named "forever chemicals" due to the length of time they remain in the environment, which is a cause for serious concern. Your Committee finds that the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Grant Program proposed by this measure would provide funding to assist local communities, businesses, and residents in Hawaii to obtain the proper testing services for PFAS detection.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 187 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair