WHEREAS, historically, residents in the upcountry area of Maui who rely on a public water system, which utilizes surface water that is subsequently treated, have experienced various ailments, including rashes and skin irritations; and

WHEREAS, although the various components of the water system, including the surface water intakes, the treatment plant, including a range of additives used over time to treat the water, and the transmission system, which in some places is outdated, have all been investigated, no certain source of or cause for the ailments has been determined; and

WHEREAS, periodic complaints of ailments continue to be raised by affected residents; and

WHEREAS, other communities throughout the State rely on public agencies for their potable water needs; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that all public agencies that provide potable water to the public are requested to give the Department of Health written notice at least ninety days prior to the addition of any new or different product, substance, or chemical to the potable water being provided to the public; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if the addition of any new or different product, substance, or chemical to the potable water being provided to the public is approved by the Department of Health, the applicable county is requested to notify the people who are affected; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health, the Mayor of each county, and the head of each county agency providing potable water to the public.

Report Title:

Potable Water Systems; Additives; Improvements