Bans fluoridation of Hawaii's water supply.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Drinking water is a vital necessity of life, and it should be maintained free of any chemicals except those necessary to make it safe for human consumption. Public water systems should not be used for delivery of chemicals for medical or dental purposes.

Fluoride is a cumulative protoplasmic poison. Caries prevention is best achieved through the practice of meticulous oral hygiene, proper dietary habits, regular dental checkups and, at the individual's option, topical use of fluoride treatment. Ingested fluoride has only a minor role in protecting against dental caries.

Fluoride is ubiquitous in the environment. It is ingested from certain foods and beverages, from fluoride toothpaste, use of pesticides and herbicides, and from the air we breathe in Hawaii because of volcanic action. Adding fluoride to public water supplies subjects all consumers to further fluoride exposure and can push many past the level claimed to be safe.

Certain segments of the population are unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of fluoride. These populations include infants and children, the elderly, people with nutritional deficiencies and people with cardiovascular and kidney problems or other chronic disorders. Only about half of the fluoride ingested or absorbed is excreted through the kidney. The rest is stored in bone and other body tissue.

Known adverse health effects from fluoride overexposure concern knowledgeable citizens. Their freedom of choice in an effort to avoid toxins must be protected.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit mandatory fluoridation of public water supplies in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

§321-    Fluoridation of water supply in Hawaii; prohibited. No fluoride shall be systematically added to the water supply in the State for the purpose of prevention of tooth decay."

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