Hawaii House Bill HCR18

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing An Environmental Protection Agency-certified Laboratory In Hawaii To Test Drinking Water Samples For Toxic Chemicals And Other Contaminants.

Impact

Should this resolution lead to action, it would significantly enhance Hawaii's capacity for local water testing, potentially improving public health responses. The establishment of an EPA-certified laboratory would allow for quicker identification of water quality issues, which is crucial during emergencies. The feasibility study is expected to consider the initial and annual operational costs of such a laboratory, as well as the optimal organizational structures and potential hosting entities.

Summary

HCR18 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, requesting a study on the feasibility of establishing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified laboratory in Hawaii to test drinking water samples for toxic chemicals and contaminants. This initiative is prompted by the Red Hill water crisis, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of Hawaii's aquifers and the health risks posed by contaminated drinking water. Currently, Hawaii lacks an in-state laboratory capable of conducting these critical tests, necessitating the transport of samples to California, which can delay results and pose logistical challenges.

Contention

The main contention surrounding HCR18 revolves around the state's ability to efficiently respond to public health threats related to drinking water. Opponents of the current process of transporting samples out of state argue that it is not only time-consuming but also a risk to public health due to potential sample degradation. By contrast, the proposed solution of a local facility aims to mitigate these risks, though discussions on the costs and logistical implementations of establishing such a facility will be crucial to address any concerns from stakeholders.