Bill > SB683

This bill aims to prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of food packaging, food service ware, cosmetics, and personal care products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) beginning January 1, 2028. PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are persistent toxic substances that do not naturally break down in the environment and can contaminate drinking water, bioaccumulate in wildlife, and pose multiple health risks to humans. The bill defines PFAS as fluorinated substances with specific chemical characteristics and provides exceptions for certain products such as hydrofluoroolefins used as propellants in cosmetics, products regulated by the FDA as drugs or medical devices, and combination products. The legislation also includes detailed definitions for terms like "cosmetic," "food service ware," "intentionally added PFAS," and "manufacturer" to provide clarity on the scope of the prohibition. By implementing this ban, the state of Hawaii seeks to prevent the importation and use of toxic substances that can harm residents' health and contaminate the state's finite environmental resources, building upon previous legislation that restricted PFAS in certain types of food packaging and firefighting foam.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=683&year=2026