Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Provide Menstrual Products At No Cost In State Buildings Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Accounting And General Services That Are Open To The Public And Contain Public Restrooms.
If enacted, the resolution would require the installation of dispensers for menstrual products in all women's restrooms and gender-neutral restrooms, with at least one men's restroom also providing these products where gender-neutral facilities are not available. This initiative is posited as a necessary step towards addressing significant barriers faced by those who menstruate, such as the ongoing financial burden related to purchasing necessary hygiene products. The resolution argues that alleviating period poverty contributes to better health and well-being for all members of the community.
Senate Resolution 78 (SR78) seeks to address period poverty in Hawaii by requesting that the Department of Accounting and General Services provide menstrual products at no cost in state-owned buildings that are open to the public and contain restrooms. The resolution highlights the societal and economic impacts of period poverty, emphasizing how it disproportionately affects menstruating individuals, particularly women and gender-diverse persons. By ensuring access to free menstrual products, SR78 aims to improve public health outcomes and promote gender equality within the state's public facilities.
The resolution's chief contention lies in the recognition of period poverty as not just a personal issue but a public health concern influenced by socio-economic factors. Discussions surrounding SR78 might evoke debates over state spending priorities and the implementation logistics of providing menstrual products in public restrooms. While proponents argue that providing free menstrual products is a fundamental aspect of supporting equal access and dignity, opponents may raise questions about the state's role in dispensing personal hygiene products, highlighting a need for responsible budgeting and resource allocation.