STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1861-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 170

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 170, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO INVESTIGATE AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES TO REDUCE THE IMPORTATION OF PRODUCTS, PACKAGING, OR MATERIALS CONTAINING PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES INTO THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Health to investigate and implement policies to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that PFAS are persistent toxic substances that can contaminate drinking water, bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife, and have adverse health effects on humans. Your Committee further finds that PFAS are used in a variety of products, packaging, and materials that are imported into the State. This measure urges the Department of Health to investigate and implement policies to reduce the importation of products, packaging, or materials containing PFAS into the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 170, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair