HI HCR209

Urges all state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels consistent with best practices and current scientific evidence for preserving human health and a safe environment.

Requires advance public notice including scientific justifications before any modifications to environmental action levels or similar triggering mechanisms are made.

Mandates state agencies comply with chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provide at least 30 days for public comment, and conduct one or more public hearings on proposed modifications to environmental action levels.

Directs state agencies to allow residents to petition for modifications of environmental action levels and respond promptly to petitions in accordance with chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

References April 2023 PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) action level increases by state agencies made without public notice or hearing, and a 100 percent increase for PFOA without published scientific justification.