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Re:County of Hawai'i proposed Bill 167(CRNRM Meeting on May 17,2022)
13 May 2022
Aloha Chair Villegas,Vice Chair Kimball, and Councilmembers of the Committee on Climate Resilience and
Natural Resource Management,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of the proposed Hawai'i County Bill 167,which "prohibits the
sale or distribution of non-mineral sunscreen, unless prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, by December
1, 2022". We are in full support of this initiative that would effectively reduce the amount of chemical stressors
on our coral reefs!
Research has already shown that certain chemicals in sunscreen, including oxybenzone, have been detrimental
to the health of coral larvae. In this time when our oceans are already negatively impacted from the threats of
rising temperatures(causing bleaching),overfishing, eutrophication (excessive nutrient inputs), marine debris,
and the spread of invasive species, it is critical for us to takes steps towards protecting coral reef ecosystems.
Coral reef ecosystems are intimately connected to the health and welfare of our island communities. Our reefs
not only support life in Hawai'i but equate to$360 million directly to the state's economy each year(directly
and indirectly).
In light of the devastating declines in coral cover across West Hawai'i in 2015, now more than ever,we need to
commit to conservation efforts such as this one and pass Bill 167 into law. Put simply,there are better(more
eco-friendly)ways to protect residents and visitors from UV rays that do not put the health of our reefs at risk.
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a small nonprofit organization that has been working to conserve native species
in Hawai'i since 1996. During that time,we have been actively involved in research, education, restoration and
advocacy projects related to the protection of coastal and nearshore ecosystems around the Pae 'Aina.
Mahalo for voting to pass this bill. Me ke aloha pumehana,
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MegaR. Lamson, M.S. Hannah J. Bernard
President&Hawai'i Program Director Co-founder& Executive Director
megan@wildhawaii.org hannah@wildhawaii.org 11 1.g5
(808) 769-7629 (debris hotline) (808) 280-812 Comm. No.
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