URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER TO TAKE ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO INCENTIVIZE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS TO TEST SEWAGE SLUDGE, RECLAIMED WATER, AND ANY OTHER RESIDUAL MATERIAL FOR THE PRESENCE OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.

HCR 189 is a resolution urging Hawaii’s Department of Health and University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to incentivize wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other residuals for PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment. It does not create new laws but calls for testing to prevent PFAS from entering food chains through agricultural use of contaminated materials, which can cause health risks like cancer and reproductive issues. The resolution specifically targets wastewater plants that supply materials for farming or irrigation, emphasizing testing as a step to protect public health and ecosystems. This is a non-binding request, not a regulatory mandate, focused on encouraging proactive testing and management.