Hawaii House Bill HCR113

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Water Fluoridation Working Group.

Impact

If enacted, HCR113 would empower the Director of Health to convene a Water Fluoridation Working Group consisting of various representatives from local water supply departments. This group is tasked with collaborating on the best practices for implementing fluoridation in Hawaii's public water systems, which currently do not contain added fluoride except at military bases. The anticipated outcome is to provide a recommendation report to the legislature detailing findings, obstacles, and any potential legislative proposals by early 2026.

Summary

HCR113 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, which seeks to address oral health issues among residents by advocating for the addition of fluoride to the state's public water supply. The resolution highlights that many residents lack dental care insurance and notes a failing grade in oral health from recent reports. It emphasizes the benefits of fluoride, particularly in preventing and even reversing tooth decay, as recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Contention

The proposal for water fluoridation in Hawaii may provoke diverse opinions among stakeholders. Supporters may argue that increased fluoride levels in public water would significantly improve dental health outcomes, especially for underserved populations. Conversely, there may be concerns about the ethical implications of adding substances to drinking water without explicit consent from individuals, as well as debates regarding the cost and logistics of fluoridation. These points of contention underscore the need for a comprehensive discussion spearheaded by the working group to address potential challenges in the fluoridation process.