REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY-CERTIFIED LABORATORY IN HAWAII TO TEST DRINKING WATER SAMPLES FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS.

This bill requests a study to determine if Hawaii can establish an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory for testing drinking water. It directly affects Hawaii residents by addressing the current need to send water samples to California for testing, which causes delays (about one week) and risks sample spoilage during transport. The study will examine the feasibility of creating such a lab or upgrading Hawaii's existing Department of Health lab to meet EPA standards, including costs, operations, and potential hosts. The resolution requires the study to report findings to the legislature by early 2026, with no immediate policy changes proposed.