SB 2095: DOH; PFAS Working Group; PFAS; Toxic Chemicals; Reports

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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 accumulate in the human body over time.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health risks, including but not limited to cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, weakened immune systems, and endocrine disruption.

     The legislature further finds that PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil, and air across the United States, raising concerns about the presence of these toxic substances in the State and their impact on the health of the State's residents and natural resources.  The geographic isolation of the State and its reliance on a delicate and limited supply of fresh water heighten the need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination and its potential impacts on human health and the environment, as the State's ecosystems, including its waterways, bodies of water, fish, and other animals consumed by humans, are integral to the State's food security and cultural practices.  The legislature therefore finds that it is necessary to test bodies of water, waterways, and fish and other animals for human consumption to identify possible PFAS contamination, assess potential health risks, and ensure the safety of food and water resources in the State.

     The legislature additionally finds that the creation of a working group to address the presence of PFAS in the State's environment and food and water supplies can provide a centralized and coordinated approach to assess PFAS-related issues, engage with stakeholders, and propose actionable recommendations.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a PFAS working group to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of PFAS.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of health for administrative purposes the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) working group.

     (b)  The working group shall be composed of the following members:

     (1)  The director of health, or the director's designee;

     (2)  The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;

     (3)  The chairperson of the board of agriculture and biosecurity, or the chairperson's designee;

     (4)  A representative of the Honolulu board of water supply;

     (5)  A member with expertise in environmental protection or toxic chemicals representing the university of Hawaii system; and

     (6)  Any other members representing stakeholders that the working group deems relevant, including environmental organizations, industry representatives, and community groups, to be invited by the working group.

     (c)  The working group shall:

     (1)  Examine ongoing work in the department of health to assess PFAS contamination and provide recommendations on additional locations appropriate for PFAS testing and assessment;

     (2)  Study sources of potential PFAS contamination in the State;

     (3)  Examine best practices on PFAS testing, management, and mitigation from other jurisdictions and provide recommendations on how to apply best practices in the State;

     (4)  Evaluate the environmental and public health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly in sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable communities;

     (5)  Review existing regulations and practices to identify gaps in PFAS management and mitigation;

     (6)  Propose strategies for testing, monitoring, remediation, and prevention of PFAS contamination; and

     (7)  Recommend changes to state policies, programs, and resources to address PFAS-related challenges effectively.

     (d)  The members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The working group shall submit annual interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028 and a final report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029.  The reports shall include:

     (1)  Findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation; and

     (2)  Potential funding sources for the remediation of PFAS in the State.

     (f)  The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2029.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOH; PFAS Working Group; PFAS; Toxic Chemicals; Reports

Description:

Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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 accumulate in the human body over time.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health risks, including but not limited to cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, weakened immune systems, and endocrine disruption.

     The legislature further finds that PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil, and air across the United States, raising concerns about the presence of these toxic substances in the State and their impact on the health of the State's residents and natural resources.  The geographic isolation of the State and its reliance on a delicate and limited supply of fresh water heighten the need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination and its potential impacts on human health and the environment, as the State's ecosystems, including its waterways, bodies of water, fish, and other animals consumed by humans, are integral to the State's food security and cultural practices.  The legislature therefore finds that it is necessary to test bodies of water, waterways, and fish and other animals for human consumption to identify possible PFAS contamination, assess potential health risks, and ensure the safety of food and water resources in the State.

     The legislature additionally finds that the creation of a temporary working group to address the presence of PFAS in the State's environment and food and water supplies can provide a centralized and coordinated approach to assess PFAS-related issues, engage with stakeholders, and propose actionable recommendations.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a PFAS working group to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other related chemicals.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of health for administrative purposes the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) working group.

     (b)  The working group shall comprise the following members:

     (1)  The director of health or their designee;

     (2)  The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or their designee;

     (3)  The chairperson of the board of agriculture and biosecurity or their designee;

     (4)  A representative of the Honolulu board of water supply;

     (5)  A member with expertise in environmental protection or toxic chemicals representing the university of Hawaii system; and

     (6)  Any other members representing stakeholders that the working group deems relevant, including environmental organizations, industry representatives, and community groups, to be invited by the working group.

     (c)  The working group shall:

     (1)  Assess ongoing work in the department of health to assess PFAS contamination and provide recommendations on additional locations appropriate for PFAS testing and assessment;

     (2)  Study sources of potential PFAS contamination in the State;

     (3)  Examine best practices on PFAS testing, management, and mitigation from other jurisdictions and provide recommendations on how to apply best practices in the State;

     (4)  Evaluate the environmental and public health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly in sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable communities;

     (5)  Review existing regulations and practices to identify gaps in PFAS management and mitigation;

     (6)  Propose strategies for testing, monitoring, remediation, and prevention of PFAS contamination; and

     (7)  Recommend changes to state policies, programs, and resources to address PFAS-related challenges effectively.

     (d)  The members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  No member of the working group shall be subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation in the working group.

     (f)  The working group shall submit annual interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028 and a final report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session 2029.  The reports shall include:

     (1)  Findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation; and

     (2)  Potential funding sources for the remediation of PFAS in the State.

     (g)  The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2029.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOH; PFAS Working Group; PFAS; Toxic Chemicals; Reports

Description:

Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to environmental protection.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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 accumulate in the human body over time.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health risks, including but not limited to cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, weakened immune systems, and endocrine disruption.

     The legislature further finds that PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil, and air across the United States, raising concerns about the presence of these toxic substances in the State and their impact on the health of the State's residents and natural resources.  The geographic isolation of the State and its reliance on a delicate and limited supply of fresh water heighten the need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination and its potential impacts on human health and the environment, as the State's ecosystems, including its waterways, bodies of water, fish, and other animals consumed by humans, are integral to the State's food security and cultural practices.  The legislature therefore finds that it is necessary to test bodies of water, waterways, and fish and other animals for human consumption to identify possible PFAS contamination, assess potential health risks, and ensure the safety of food and water resources in the State.

     The legislature additionally finds that the creation of a temporary working group to address the presence of PFAS in the State's environment and food and water supplies can provide a centralized and coordinated approach to assesses PFAS-related issues, engage with stakeholders, and propose actionable recommendations.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a PFAS working group to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other related chemicals.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of health for administrative purposes the PFAS working group.

     (b)  The working group shall comprise the following members:

     (1)  The director of health or their designee;

     (2)  The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or their designee;

     (3)  The chairperson of the board of agriculture and biosecurity or their designee;

     (4)  A member with expertise in environmental protection or toxic chemicals representing the university of Hawaii system; and

     (5)  Any other members representing stakeholders that the working group deems relevant, including environmental organizations, industry representatives and community groups, to be invited by the working group.

     (c)  The working group shall:

     (1)  Identify locations in the State where PFAS contamination is present or suspected, including potential sources such as military installations, industrial sites, and landfills;

     (2)  Conduct testing in waterways and bodies of water to assess PFAS contamination levels;

     (3)  Conduct tests on fish and other animals consumed by humans to determine the extent of bioaccumulation and potential health risks;

     (4)  Assess the environmental and public health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly in sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable communities;

     (5)  Review existing regulations and practices to identify gaps in PFAS management and mitigation;

     (6)  Propose strategies for testing, monitoring, remediation, and prevention of PFAS contamination; and

     (7)  Recommend changes to state policies, programs, and resources to address PFAS-related challenges effectively.

     (d)  The members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  No member of the task force shall be subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation in the task force.

     (f)  The working group shall submit annual interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028 and a final report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session 2029.  The reports shall include:

     (1)  Findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation; and

     (2)  Potential funding sources for the remediation of PFAS in the State.

     (g)  The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2029.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DOH; PFAS Working Group; PFAS; Toxic Chemicals; Reports

Description:

Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other related chemicals.  Requires reports to the Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2866

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2095

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, 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 and intent of this measure is to establish a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other related chemicals in the State.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Food+ Policy, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii Chapter, and four individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

     Your Committee finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that are widely used in consumer products, industrial processes, and firefighting foams and that persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health risks, including cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, weakened immune systems, and endocrine disruptions.  Your Committee further finds that PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil, and air across the United States.  Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on a delicate, finite freshwater supply heighten the need for a thorough understanding of PFAS contamination in the State and its potential impacts on human health and the environment.  Accordingly, your Committee recognizes the value in establishing a working group to investigate and study the existence and environmental dangers of PFAS in the State to better inform the Legislature's policymaking.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2179

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2095

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2095 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other related chemicals; and

     (2)  Require reports to the Legislature.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, and one individual.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

     Your Committees finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in consumer products, industrial processes, and firefighting foams that are known to cause long-term damage to both humans and the environment.  As PFAS are persistent toxic substances that have been found to contaminate drinking water, bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife, have adverse health effects on humans, and do not break down in the environment, all mitigation measures should be taken to decrease the existence of PFAS in the State.  Therefore, this measure will establish a working group to conduct critical testing and prevention proposals regarding PFAS.

     Your Committees note that the Department of Health has proactively established an internal PFAS-focused working group comprised of staff with critical subject matters essential to PFAS research.  This internal PFAS Working Group has conducted multiple studies that have focused on wastewater treatment facilities, biosolids, landfills, firefighting training sites, and ambient PFAS levels in the environment.  While multiple findings have been published, there is additionally an ongoing study to assess potential plant uptake of PFAS containing compost made from certain recycled water and compostable service ware.  This measure would continue these efforts on a permanent and ongoing basis while adding additional stakeholders to collaborate and provide more comprehensive studies and data related to PFAS.  Your Committees further find that, in recognition of the Department of Health's ongoing efforts, amendments to this measure are needed to support and continue the Department's PFAS research and mitigation efforts to avoid unnecessary redundancies.

Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting language to include a representative of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply as a member of the PFAS Working Group;

     (2)  Clarifying the activities of the PFAS Working Group to:

          (A)  Assess ongoing work in the Department of Health to assess PFAS contamination and provide recommendations on additional locations appropriate for PFAS testing and assessment;

          (B)  Study sources of potential PFAS contamination in the State;

          (C)  Examine best practices on PFAS testing, management, and mitigation from other jurisdictions and provide recommendations on how to apply best practices in the State; and

          (D)  Evaluate the environmental and public health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly in sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable communities;

     (3)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2095, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2095, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services,