HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.053 2020-2022 P/CRNRMC-
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COMM.711
From: Bradley Dunker
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2022 2:56 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Bill 167
Aloha Chair Rebecca Villegas, Co-Chair Heather Kimball, and members of the Committee on Climate Resilience &
Natural Management,
My name is Kristine Dunker, and I'm a biologist in Anchorage. I am a frequent traveler to Hawaii Island, and I have
watched the coral reefs on the west side of the island degrade precipitously over the last 15 years. I am writing to
encourage you to pass bill 167 prohibiting chemical sunscreens in Hawaii County. As you are likely aware, there are
many stressors affecting the health of Hawaii's coral reefs. One of those stressors that can easily be changed is the
exposure of Hawaii's marine life to chemicals that have been proven to greatly contribute to coral
mortality. Chemical sunscreens are also unhealthy for people. Please ban chemical sunscreens in Hawaii county and
support 100% mineral sunscreen use as the alternative. Many sunscreens claim to be "reef safe" by removing one or
two of the chemicals that were in their formulations. This has become a marketing technique as, in most of these,
other chemicals that can harm corals still remain. The only truly "reef safe" sunscreen is 100% zinc oxide or titanium
dioxide. Anything else is problematic. With so many of us visitors returning to the islands to visit after the
pandemic, the amount of chemical sunscreens in the water would increase greatly if bill 167 is not passed. As a
visitor who truly loves your island, I sincerely urge you to take this measure to protect your amazing marine
resources. It is the right thing to do. =9 ;.. .
71
Mahalo for your time,
Kristine Dunker
7800 Casey Circle r-°-
Anchorage, AK 99507C2P .7,Z9
Sent from my iPad w __
Comm. No lit•93
Ref. To: P C41104(.1
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2022