HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.082 2020-2022 p/GRNRMC.
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BADGER o '
CULTIVATE GOOD
May 13, 2022 L"
Written Testimony of: pp
Rebecca Hamiltongat IN `
Co-CEO (Collaborative Executive Officer) l~
Badger Balm
COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE&NATURAL MANAGEMENT
TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAI'I COUNTY CODE 1983
Chair Villegas,Vice Chair Kimball, and members of the Committee,,
Thank you for the opportunity to share my testimony in support of this ordinance. My name is Rebecca
Hamilton, and I am the Co-CEO of Badger Balm based in Gilsum, New Hampshire.We are a small,
family-owned manufacturer and we have been producing mineral Zinc Oxide sunscreens for the past
seventeen years. In addition to our commitment to the safety and efficacy of mineral sunscreens on
human health, caring for the environment is a core guiding principle at Badger. Our mineral sunscreens
are Protect Land &Sea Certified by the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory,and are free from
contaminants shown to harm coral reefs and delicate marine ecosystems.We strongly support this
ordinance amending chapter 14 of the Hawai'i County code 1983,which aims to preserve the health,
safety,and welfare of both humans and the environment by only allowing mineral sunscreens to be
provided,sold,offered for sale,and distributed in Hawaii County.
According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 10%of the world's coral reefs are threatened due to
non-mineral sunscreens washing off in reef waters.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
explains how chemical-based, non-mineral sunscreens cause irreparable damage by accumulating in
coral tissues,deforming and damaging coral.DNA, causing coral metabolic distress, inducing coral
bleaching, impairing growth to seagrass and algae,decreasing fertility and reproduction of fish and
causing defects in animal tissues.Zinc Oxide, however, is a,powdered mineral that does not dissolve in
seawater, but rather rapidly settles to the seafloor and becomes part of the sediment due to its large
particle size. Mineral Zinc Oxide is the only active ingredient found in Badger sunscreens,and one of only
two active ingredients the FDA generally recognizes as safe and effective. It has been used in skin care for
thousands of years and is an effective sun protectant without the negative effects of non-mineral
sunscreens. Healthy coral reefs not only protect the island of Hawaii's diverse coastal ecosystem, but
they also protect the island's inhabitants and community well-being.The chemical compounds in q
Comm. No TI [ ' U2.
Ref. To: �CR,h1RM(/
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2022
non-mineral sunscreen degrade the integrity of delicate coral reef infrastructure,which is why we
strongly support this ordinance in prohibiting non-mineral sunscreen.
Badger proudly supports this legislation as we work to cultivate a healthier world.We urge your avid
support for this ordinance amending chapter 14 of the Hawai'i County code 1983 and commend your
efforts and to mitigate the adverse effects of non-mineral sunscreen pollution. By enacting this
protection for coral reefs,a voice is given to the coastal ecosystem of Hawaii as it is granted the
opportunity and freedom to thrive.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Hamilton, Co-CEO
Badger Balm