Report Title:

Fluoridation Ban

Description:

Bans fluoridation of Hawaii's water supply.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

451

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO FLUORIDATION OF HAWAII's WATER SUPPLY.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's drinking water is a vital necessity of life and should be maintained free of any chemicals, except those necessary to make it safe for human consumption. Drinking water should not be used as a means for delivery of chemicals for medical or dental purposes. A federal study has linked fluoride to bone cancer and courts have ruled that fluoridation creates a risk of serious health hazards. However, beyond the issues of safety, effectiveness, cost, operation, and maintenance requirements, is the more basic issue of the right of people to self-determination and choice. It is not the role of government to legislate what activities or procedures the public should take to achieve dental health, especially when safety and other issues have not been fully resolved. Alternatives to fluoridated water can be found in a wide variety of commercially available products. The public, and especially parents of children, should have the right to choose whether or not to expose themselves or their children to fluoride. Mandating fluoridation of Hawaii's water would negate this choice.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit mandatory fluoridation of Hawaii's water supply.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"PART    . FLUORIDATION

§321-    Fluoridation of water supply in Hawaii; prohibited. No fluoride shall be systematically added to the water supply in the State for the purpose of prevention of tooth decay."

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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