Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR38

Introduced
3/10/26  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Requiring Water Suppliers In The State To Adjust Fluoride Levels In Their Water Systems To Meet The Optimal Fluoride Level For Community Water Fluoridation As Established By The United States Department Of Health And Human Services.

Impact

The resolution highlights the disparity in access to fluoridated water, pointing out that currently only military bases in Hawaii add fluoride to their water supply. This lack of fluoride in the public drinking water is seen as a contributing factor to the high rates of tooth decay affecting the state's children and adults alike. By advocating for a study, SCR38 paves the way for potential future legislative action to improve community water fluoridation, which could lead to enhanced oral health outcomes statewide.

Summary

SCR38 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution of the State of Hawaii, requesting the Department of Health to conduct a study of the costs and benefits associated with mandating adjustments to fluoride levels in the state's public water systems. The bill emphasizes that drinking fluoridated water is a safe and effective method of reducing tooth decay, particularly beneficial in states with a high prevalence of dental health issues. In Hawaii, the absence of fluoridation in most communities results in inadequate access to this preventive health measure for a significant portion of the population, notably children.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SCR38 may arise regarding the efficacy and necessity of fluoridation in public water systems. Opponents may question the safety and ethical considerations of adding fluoride to drinking water, citing concerns about individual choice and potential health risks. Additionally, debates may center on funding for public health initiatives and whether the state should invest resources into fluoridation programs or look for alternative solutions to the dental health crisis.

Companion Bills

HI SR37

Same As Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Requiring Water Suppliers In The State To Adjust Fluoride Levels In Their Water Systems To Meet The Optimal Fluoride Level For Community Water Fluoridation As Established By The United States Department Of Health And Human Services.

HI HCR30

Same As Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Requiring Water Suppliers In The State To Adjust Fluoride Levels In Their Water Systems To Meet The Optimal Fluoride Level For Community Water Fluoridation As Established By The United States Department Of Health And Human Services.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR62

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Water Fluoridation Working Group.

HI SR47

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Water Fluoridation Working Group.

HI HCR113

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Water Fluoridation Working Group.

HI HR109

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Water Fluoridation Working Group.

HI SB488

Relating To Water Fluoridation.

HI SCR118

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Working Group To Assess The Feasibility Of Allowing Business Owners In The State To Utilize Filtered Water Collected By Water Catchment Systems For Business Activities.

HI SR99

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Working Group To Assess The Feasibility Of Allowing Business Owners In The State To Utilize Filtered Water Collected By Water Catchment Systems For Business Activities.

HI SCR13

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SCR74

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SCR150

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Convene A Working Group To Develop And Recommend Federal, State, And County Programs Subsidizing The Transport Of Waterborne Cargo.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.