HB 577 Summary

• Directs the office of elections to place a non-binding referendum question on the 2020 general election ballot asking whether Hawaii should pursue community water fluoridation policies and programs.

• The ballot question defines community water fluoridation as the process of adjusting naturally occurring fluoride levels to levels recommended by dental health organizations.

• Results of the referendum shall be tabulated and reported by the office of elections in the same manner as provided by law for constitutional amendments.

• Establishes legislative findings that Hawaii has the lowest rate of access to fluoridated water in the nation and that children in Hawaii have nearly double the tooth decay rate of mainland counterparts, particularly affecting disadvantaged populations.

• Takes effect upon approval.