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 Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's 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 levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study would examine how requiring fluoridation could improve oral health for residents, particularly since most Hawaii residents currently lack access to fluoridated water. The Department of Health would submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026, which could inform future policy decisions about water fluoridation in the state.