Bill > SB738

This bill addresses wastewater management and the regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals found in many consumer and industrial products. The bill requires wastewater treatment facilities that apply sewage sludge to land to test their sewage sludge and residual materials for PFAS, defined as fluorinated substances with specific molecular characteristics. The Department of Health must develop administrative rules for the safe disposal of sewage sludge containing PFAS, and the director of the department is prohibited from issuing or renewing permits for land application of sewage sludge or residual materials that test positive for PFAS, particularly on lands used for agriculture, lands with drainage tiles, lands that drain into state waters, or lands within a 500-year floodplain. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of PFAS and establishes new testing and permitting requirements to prevent potential environmental contamination from these persistent chemicals. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2050, which provides ample time for implementation and preparation by wastewater treatment facilities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=738&year=2026