HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.011 2020-2022 P/CRNRMC
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From: Paul Badgley N
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2022 1:40 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Ordinance 167 testimony w
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It is known and scientifically proven that chemicals found in sunscreen are harmful to coral reefs. Sunscreen
companies are killing our coral reefs and are profiting without any repercussions for this negligence. In 2018 the
Hawaii state legislature passed bill SB2571 banning the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone
and octinoxate. The response of the sunscreen companies was to change one compound in their products from
oxybenzone to avobenzone and put a reef-friendly sticker on the front of the product. This is deceiving and
misleading, causing tourists and community members alike to think they are making the right choice, when in fact
they are still using a product that kills our coral reefs.
This is where ordinance 167 will takeout of the equation of anything but mineral-based sunscreen so that these
companies can no longer deceive our communities and our visitors.
By passing this bill not only, are we benefiting the ocean ecosystem, but we are also protecting the cultural history of
the Hawaiian people. As stated in the Kumulipo, the coral polyp is the beginning of all life born from the darkness. It
is our responsibility to protect it.
A few suggestions;
Section 1. (add) Brought into Hawaii county by visitors in their baggage.
Section 2. 14-34 (add) Provide receptacles at the airport for visitors arriving in Hawaii County to deposit their
sunscreen for disposal.
Section 4. Give public notice of the effective date of December 1, 2022, to all businesses in Hawaii County upon the
passing of the ordinance.
I support Bill 167 and the ban of harmful chemicals for sale in sunscreen in Hawaii County and hope this will pave
the way for the other counties to follow suit.
Mahalo,
Paul Badgley
CORAL REEF EDUCATION INSTITUTE
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Ref. To: Plc s tMG
Ref. Date MAY 1 12022