2017-03-29 Letter to Roy Takumi re SB 1150 SD 2 HD 2 relating to Preserving Coral Reefs (sunscreen)

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7cFk•LL: •••• Wil Okabe Managing Director Harry Kim ; • • • • Mayor Barbara J.Kossow Deputy Managing Director ClUnN PaiVrai`i Offirr of'tip Alavor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawai'i 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 March 29, 2017 Rep. Roy M. Takumi, Chair Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce Hawaii State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Takumi and Committee Members: RE: SB 1150, SD 2, HD 2 Relating to Preserving Coral Reefs (sunscreen) If there is a scientific consensus that sunscreen containing oxybenzone is harmful to the environment, and that it is worse than the alternative sunscreen products available, I would urge the Legislature to ban the sale in Hawaii of products containing oxybenzone. That would not eliminate the problem entirely (tourists might still bring product in) but I would think that the use of the chemical in Hawaii would be dramatically reduced, far more than an education program ever could accomplish. And such a prohibition on sale would resolve the law enforcement problem faced by DLNR if it tries to prevent use by individual boaters or beachgoers. However, your decision should be based on science, and the Department of Health's earlier testimony, on this bill and the House companion, suggests that science may not be ready to make that call. If the Committee believes there is enough evidence on which to act, I would urge the Legislature to use SB1150 as an appropriate vehicle to forcefully address the problem, as suggested above. If, on the other hand, you do not feel you have enough facts, then providing for a study, one that could generate more information, is worthy of your approval. Respectfully submitted, koi Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.