STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1867-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 128

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. 128, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT 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 request the Department of Health to establish a PFAS Testing Grant Program in collaboration with the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and one individual.

Your Committee finds that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic to humans, linked to serious health conditions, and remain in the environment for long periods once introduced. Your Committee further finds that testing and sampling for PFAS are essential in protecting public health. This measure requests the Department of Health to establish a PFAS Testing Grant Program in collaboration with the University of Hawaii to assist local communities, businesses, and residents in obtaining testing services and biological sampling for PFAS detection.

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. 128, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Higher Education & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair