HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.018 2020-2022 p��R 67�
COMM.171
Katherine M. Bell, Ph.D.
73-4423 Ahiahi Street
Kailua Kona, Hawai'l 96740
May 14, 2022
To Members of the Committee on Climate Resilience & Natural Management:
Walking along our Kona coastline,the difference is conspicuous and frightening between
• the salty scent of the ocean in undeveloped areas and the overwhelmingly cosmetic
fragrance of the water in resort areas.
A 2015 study by Craig Downs, Ph.D. found that baby coral exposed to oxybenzones c cD-<
exhibited signs of distress, DNA damage and abnormalities in its growth and skeleton#bat.
included coral bleaching—a condition that leaves coral vulnerable to infection and >rn
prevents it from getting the nutrients it needs to survive
0% --
Since then,further research continues to document the damage to the ocean by sunscreen
chemicals (14,000 tons globally each year!) and confirms the hidden toxicity of even beach
showers to reef ecosystems. Seven years later,why are we still debating this?
We have evidence from the lockdown in 2020 that the absence of sunscreen-slathered
tourists led to a measurable regeneration of reef health across the whole state, including
the seagrass and algae which are critical habitats and food for coral reef fish and other
marine life.
Bill 167 is a no-brainer. Our environment should not be yet another political football. But
corporate interests, chemical companies, and mainland retail chains continue to work
tirelessly against the environment and on behalf of their own profits. Don't be deceived by
their equivocations and self-serving protests. They don't care about Hawai'i. You do.
Unfortunately, Bill 167 cannot prevent tourists from carelessly introducing toxic products
into our waters. But by refusing to actively participate with them in reef destruction, Bill
167 will move proactively to sustain our local ecosystem. We will stop enabling our own
ruin. Bill 167 will plainly demonstrate the commitment of the Council to the health and
preservation of our island and its threatened resources.
Vote in favor of Bill 167. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kate Bell, Ph.D.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina I ka Pono. -111.V6
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Comm. No.
Ref. To: P(CtktkilkttAG
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2022