Lawmakers hear urgent calls to set up PFAS working group after wastewater overflow

The committee heard testimony supporting SB 2095, which would create a PFAS working group to coordinate monitoring, testing and mitigation across agencies.

Melody Aduha of the Environmental Caucus described the recent Kona Low storm that overwhelmed Honolulu's Waiau Wastewater Treatment Plant and carried contaminants, including PFAS, downstream: "This is a real-time example of how quickly contaminants, including PFAS, can move during extreme weather conditions," she said, urging coordinated monitoring of water, soil and biota.

Grace Simmons of the Department of Health said the department supports a working group but requested $30,000 to stand up the group, collect data and produce annual reports. The Department of Agriculture also testified in support, and the board of water supply submitted written testimony backing coordinated action.

The committee voted to pass SB 2095 as drafted and noted the DOH funding request in the committee report. The working group as described would include DOH, DLNR, Board of Agriculture, Board of Water Supply, University researchers and community stakeholders to identify PFAS sources and recommend monitoring and mitigation strategies.