HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.022 2020-2022r P/CRNRMG
.dill (G1
cumx,171
6 The Marine The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through
Mammal Center. marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation,scientific research,and education.
1
May 16, 2022
o
Dear Chair Rebecca Villegas, Co-Chair Heather Kimball, and members of the Committee on Climate Rienc a
& Natural Management, —< =
o• --<
RE: Bill 167, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDIWN, A74.2
AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO PROHIBITION OF NON-MINERAL SUNSCREEN y
x-
I write this letter in strong support of Bill 167.
With facilities, staff, and programs in California and Hawai'i,The Marine Mammal Center is a global leader in
marine mammal health, science, and conservation, and the largest marine mammal hospital in the world. As a
critical first responder to ocean threats,the Center cares for marine mammal species considered to be
endangered or threatened and is dedicated to helping save them from extinction.The Center's four decades
of experience responding to marine mammals in distress is applied on a global scale to address a growing
rescue and response need for marine mammals.Alongside partners, we teach more than 100,000 children and
adults each year about the connection between marine mammals and ocean health.
Because the Hawaiian monk seal population had been steadily declining over decades and because research
indicated that providing medical care and rehabilitation could help stabilize the population, in 2014, the
Center opened Ke Kai Ola, a veterinary hospital and education center on Hawai'i Island dedicated to Hawaiian
monk seal conservation. Since its opening,the Center has rehabilitated 40 monk seals from across the
archipelago who otherwise would not have survived.
With ocean conservation our highest priority, we are advocates for healthy coral reefs which protect our
island's coastal infrastructure, beaches, and community.The chemical compounds contained in non-mineral
sunscreen inhibit coral growth and degrade the integrity of our reefs, endangering the health and wellbeing of •
both endangered Hawaiian monk seals and livelihoods of local communities.
This ordinance aims to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of humans, wildlife and the environment by
allowing only mineral sunscreens to be provided, sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the County.
I urge you to pass Bill 167, for the health our marine environment now, and for generations to come.
S't' erely,
PA .
Dr.Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer
Comm. No. 111.22
Ref. To: P 1 CH W C'
Ref, Dote MAY 1 7 2022
I