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.

This bill asks the Hawaii Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of requiring water suppliers to adjust fluoride levels to match the optimal standard set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study would examine how mandating community water fluoridation could impact oral health across the state, where currently only military bases provide fluoridated water. The Department of Health would submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins. This resolution does not immediately change water systems but initiates a review to inform future policy decisions about water fluoridation.