STAND. COM. REP. NO.1195

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: H.C.R. No. 175

H.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 175 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A DEFINITIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FLUORIDATION THAT ALSO ADDRESSES CONCERNS RELATING TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF FLUORIDATING HAWAII’S DRINKING WATER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a definitive study on the effectiveness of fluoridation that addresses:

(1) The health and safety of fluoridating Hawaii's drinking water;

(2) Education and awareness efforts in the community; and

(3) Effects of fluoridation on the environment.

Additionally, DOH is requested to:

(1) Examine studies of other cities and states that have fluoridated water; and

(2) Develop an implementation plan and cost analysis.

DOH, Kokua O'Kalani, and Kokua Council submitted testimony in support of this measure. A concerned citizen supported the intent of this measure.

Down to Earth Natural Foods and numerous concerned citizens submitted testimony in opposition of this measure. Many of the testifiers expressed concern that DOH would be the only agency involved in conducting the study, as they are known advocates of fluoridation. Those testifiers suggested that if this measure passes, another agency should be involved in the study as well.

Your Committee understands that Hawaii has one of the worst, if not the worst, rates of dental disease in the United States, especially among children. Moreover, your Committee finds that many of these diseases are due to the limited access to much-needed dental disease prevention, early intervention, and dental treatment services. Furthermore, an improvement in oral health improves the physical and psychological well being of the community.

Although proponents claim that fluoridation is proven to be safe, effective, and efficient across the nation, Hawaii ranks last among all fifty states in the proportion of state residents with access to fluoridated drinking water. Your Committee realizes that we live in a unique environment and that many concerns still exist over this public health measure.

Your Committee has considered the concerns brought forth by those in opposition to this measure, and has amended this measure accordingly by:

(1) Requiring DOH and Hawaii Citizens for Health (HCH) to jointly conduct the study of the effectiveness of fluoridating the water system;

(2) Addressing the concerns of water fluoridation's impact on reef and marine life;

(3) Including the effects of fluoridation on children and adults with chemical sensitivities;

(4) Requiring DOH and HCH as part of their study, to consider military bases and facilities throughout the State of Hawaii that already use fluoridated water;

(5) Addressing concerns that dental caries and dental disease may be more prevalent among different ethnic groups in Hawaii;

(6) Deleting the requirement of a draft plan for the implementation of fluoridation in Hawaii; and

(7) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 175, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 175, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair