REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES TESTING GRANT PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to create a grant program with the University of Hawaii to help local residents and businesses pay for tests that detect PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," in water and biological samples. The bill directs state officials to seek federal funding from Congress to support this initiative and to develop the program based on current scientific evidence regarding food safety and environmental protection. Additionally, the resolution requires the Department of Health to establish rules ensuring that the distribution of these grants is fair, transparent, and follows applicable laws.