Bill > SB536

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Health to establish and operate a new environmental toxins testing laboratory with comprehensive testing capabilities. The laboratory will be able to analyze samples for diseases, toxins in air, water, soil, and biological specimens, and conduct high-complexity testing. The lab must comply with the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendments of 1988, a federal standard for medical testing facilities. Any member of the public who suspects environmental toxin violations can submit samples for analysis, and the department must provide complete testing results within ten days of receiving a sample. The bill authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds to fund the laboratory's construction, with a preference for using federal funds if available. If federal funding is not secured within nine months, the department will use appropriated state funds to begin construction. The department must submit a progress report to the Legislature before the 2026 regular session, and the appropriated funds will be available through June 30, 2028. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=536&year=2025