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SB 3136

RELATING TO LEAD MATERIALS IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Hawaii bill SB 3136 requires water infrastructure systems to identify and address lead contamination to protect public health from developmental and long-term health risks.

Act 109, 06/08/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1209).
#departmentofhealth #drinkingwater #lead-freematerials #waterinfrastructure
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Bill Summary · SB 3136

Legislative bill overview

SB 3136 addresses lead contamination in Hawaii's water infrastructure systems. The bill has advanced through the Health and Human Services (HHS) committee with a unanimous recommendation for passage, though the full text of specific provisions is not detailed in the legislative actions provided.

Why is this important

Lead in drinking water poses serious public health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women, causing developmental delays and other long-term health effects. Hawaii's aging water infrastructure may contain lead pipes and fixtures, making this legislation relevant to protecting residents' water safety and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with lead exposure.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Requiring water systems to identify and replace lead infrastructure involves significant capital expenditures that may be passed to ratepayers or require state/federal funding commitments
  • Timeline and feasibility: Aggressive lead remediation timelines could strain water utility resources and operational capacity, especially for smaller island communities
  • Scope of mandate: Disagreement may exist over whether the bill applies only to public water systems or also to private properties, landlords, and homeowners with lead plumbing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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