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SCR 38

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.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang

Hawaii requests study on costs and benefits of mandating water suppliers adjust fluoride to federal optimal levels for community water fluoridation statewide.

Offered.
#communitywaterfluoridation #doh #study
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Bill Summary · SCR 38

Legislative bill overview

SCR 38 requests Hawaii's Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of requiring water suppliers statewide to adjust fluoride levels to match federal optimal levels for community water fluoridation. The study would examine financial impacts, implementation feasibility, and public health outcomes of such a requirement.

Why is this important

Water fluoridation is a long-standing public health practice with documented benefits for dental health, particularly for children and low-income populations without regular dental care access. The study would inform whether Hawaii should implement or modify fluoridation policies, affecting millions of residents' access to this preventive health measure and potentially reducing dental disease rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on municipalities: Water suppliers may argue that fluoridation equipment, maintenance, and monitoring create significant financial burdens, particularly for smaller systems with limited budgets
  • Individual choice and bodily autonomy: Some opponents view mandatory water fluoridation as government overreach, preferring voluntary fluoridation choices rather than population-wide treatment
  • Scientific consensus vs. local skepticism: While major health organizations support fluoridation, persistent public concern exists about safety at recommended levels, despite regulatory evidence of its safety record

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

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