Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 654, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the ban on lead-containing products used in drinking water distribution systems to plumbing fittings and fixtures.

The Department of Health testified in support of this measure.

The current requirement for the use of lead-free pipes, pipe fittings, solders, and flux in drinking water distribution systems has resulted in substantial reductions of lead in drinking water. Your Committee finds that extending this requirement to plumbing fittings and fixtures that may be constructed with lead-containing materials such as brass will further reduce the public's exposure to lead in drinking water, bring the State into conformance with federal requirements, and allow the State to qualify for drinking water and drinking water capitalization grant funds.

Your Committee has amended this measure by replacing its contents with the language of S.B. No. 1129, a similar measure that is technically, but not substantively different from the measure as received.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 654, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 654, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.