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 requests the Hawaii Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of requiring water suppliers to adjust fluoride levels in public water systems to match the optimal level recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The resolution aims to gather data on how such a change would impact oral health, particularly for the approximately 89% of residents currently without access to fluoridated water. The Department of Health must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session, which could lead to future legislative action. This measure does not mandate any immediate changes to water systems but instead initiates a review process to inform potential policy decisions.