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HCR 18

REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY-CERTIFIED LABORATORY IN HAWAII TO TEST DRINKING WATER SAMPLES FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Lowen and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests a feasibility study for establishing a state EPA-certified drinking water testing laboratory to reduce mainland testing delays and improve water safety monitoring.

The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
#drinkingwater #epa-certifiedlaboratory #lrb #study #testing
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Bill Summary · HCR 18

Legislative bill overview

HCR 18 requests that Hawaii conduct a feasibility study on establishing an EPA-certified laboratory within the state to test drinking water for toxic chemicals and contaminants. The bill does not create a laboratory or mandate testing; it authorizes research into whether such a facility is practical and economically viable.

Why is this important

Hawaii currently lacks a state-based EPA-certified drinking water testing facility, meaning samples must be sent to mainland laboratories, creating delays in contamination detection and public health response. A local lab could reduce testing turnaround times, lower costs, and improve water safety monitoring for the islands' residents and military installations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost-benefit analysis: The feasibility study itself requires funding, and establishing a certified lab could be expensive with uncertain demand to justify operations
  • Existing laboratory capacity: Questions about whether private or federal labs already adequately serve Hawaii, making a state facility redundant
  • Certification complexity: EPA certification requires rigorous standards and ongoing compliance; the study must assess whether Hawaii can sustainably maintain this

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

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