STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1221-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2095

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Working Group.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that have been linked to significant health and environmental risks. Your Committee further finds that PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil, and air across the United States. Your Committee recognizes that the State's geographic isolation and reliance on a delicate and limited supply of fresh water heighten the need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination. This measure establishes a working group to ensure that the existence, risks, monitoring, remediation, and prevention of PFAS are investigated.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Health.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair