Bill > SB664

This bill expands the Department of Health's powers and responsibilities regarding water quality testing in Hawaii, primarily in response to significant contamination incidents like the Red Hill underground fuel storage facility leaks and Navy waterline contamination. The bill authorizes the department to conduct water quality testing in public and private water systems, including residential and commercial properties, with the property owner's consent. If consent is not granted, the department can seek a court order to conduct testing if there is a reasonable belief of a public health risk. The bill defines "water quality testing" as analyzing water samples to determine the presence of contaminants that may affect human health and the environment. The department is required to establish testing protocols, conduct public awareness campaigns, publish testing results, develop emergency response plans, and collaborate with other agencies like the EPA and military installations. The bill also appropriates funding for the department to carry out these expanded duties and to research new water quality testing technologies. The legislation aims to address serious health concerns related to contamination from substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), petroleum products, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which have been linked to various health risks, including cancer.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=664&year=2025