STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1799

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 918

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 918, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LABELING,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish labeling requirements for certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes;

(2) Require certain manufacturers of covered products to submit for approval, their "DO NOT FLUSH" label notices and symbols to the United States Environmental Protection Agency by January 1, 2026; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS, and two individuals.

Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii.

Your Committees find that when flushed down the toilet, some premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes, despite being labeled as "flushable" or "disposable", do not break down, clogging wastewater systems. Your Committees further find that clear labels, and the positions established by this measure, will help educate and inform consumers that certain wipes should not be flushed, thereby reducing damage to wastewater systems. This measure establishes label requirements on manufacturers of disposable wipes to protect municipal wastewater infrastructure and minimize sewage spills from clogged systems.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 918, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair