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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.035 2020-2022 P/CRNRMG . ill ((,1 GOMM.1l( From: Kathleen Everglade Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2022 5:26 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 167 SUPPORT Aloha mai kakou, I am writing to express my strong support for Bill 167. This bill is an important step for Hawai'i County to continue to be a leader in protecting precious natural resources for future generations. Coral reefs in Hawai'i are important to our community culturally, ecologically, socially and economically. They are foundational to who we are. Coral reefs in Hawai'i are also impacted by many stressors. It is imperative that we take all reasonable action to reduce these local stressors so that reefs are more resilient to less addressable stressors like climate change. Interacting with thousands of visitors every year at Kahalu'u Bay through the ReefTeach program we see first hand the desire to purchase and use sunscreens that are less harmful to the reef. Beachgoers are often upset that they have gone out of their way to purchase sunscreen labeled as "reef-friendly" only to find out that it actually contains multiple harmful petrochemicals. This bill will help mitigate this issue. In addition, the FDA currently only recognizes mineral sunscreen ingredients assafe and effective. The other common chemicals found in sunscreens safety and efficacy has not been substantiated. Please support this bill and help keep Hawai'i's reefs and communities healthy! == mss. Mahalo for your consideration. c:,.‹ Kathleen Clark -- r- cx� • Comm. No. 11 I:59 Ref. To: P (GILNIti1v/ Ref. Dote MAY 1 7 2022.