Hawaii House Bill HB2783

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To Environmental Protection.

Impact

This legislation, if enacted, would amend Chapter 321 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include the new PFAS testing grant program. The program is designed to address statewide concerns regarding contamination from PFAS, which can be present in various mediums such as water, soil, and consumer products. By enabling access to testing services and biological sampling, the bill aims to ensure that residents and communities can better understand and mitigate the risks associated with these harmful chemicals.

Summary

House Bill 2783 proposes the establishment of a PFAS testing grant program managed by the Department of Health in collaboration with the University of Hawaii. The program aims to provide financial assistance to communities, businesses, and residents across the state to facilitate the identification and detection of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals.' These substances are known to cause environmental and health risks, making the purpose of the program particularly significant for enhancing public health and environmental safety.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance environmental protection, there may be points of contention related to the funding and administration of the grant program. Some stakeholders could express concerns about the appropriate allocation of state funds to support these initiatives, especially in light of the bill's indication that the general fund expenditure ceiling will be exceeded as a result of this program. Furthermore, the bill outlines compliance requirements for recipients of grants that may raise questions about administrative burden and accessibility for all intended grantees.