STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1444-26

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 Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, H.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 to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of PFAS.

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

Your Committee finds that PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in consumer products, industrial processes, and firefighting foams that are known to persist in the environment and have been linked to significant health risks, including cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, weakened immune systems, and endocrine disruption. Your Committee further finds that because of the State's geographic isolation and reliance on a delicate and limited supply of fresh water, there is a significant need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. This measure is intended to provide the State with the data needed to develop appropriate strategies to address PFAS-related issues and ensure the health and safety of Hawaii residents and the environment.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider inserting an appropriation amount of $30,000 for the Department of Health to enable the Department to provide administrative support to the PFAS Working Group.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair