H.R. 18 Summary

• Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the feasibility of establishing an EPA-certified laboratory in Hawaii to test drinking water for toxic chemicals like total petroleum hydrocarbons and contaminants like PFAS.

• Considers upgrading the Department of Health laboratory in Pearl City to meet EPA certification requirements for drinking water testing.

• Study must evaluate initial establishment costs, annual operating costs, effective organizational structures, and appropriate entities to host the laboratory.

• Study should address the Red Hill water crisis vulnerabilities and the current requirement to transport water samples to California for testing, which causes week-long delays and temperature damage risks.

• Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session.