HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.092 2020-2022 P/CRN RM 1
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COMM.771
From: Herring, B Paul
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 4:07 PM o
To: Council Testimony a
Subject: Bill 167 <
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Dear Rebecca Villegas, Chair
Comminttee on Climate Resiliance and Natural Management
I would like to submit testimony in strong support of Bill 167, an ordinance amending chapter 14 of the Hawai'i
county code 1983(2016 Edition, as amended),to add a new article relating to prohibition of non-mineral sunscreen.
This bill would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or distribution in the county of any sunscreen that contains active
ingredients that are not zinc oxide or titaniam dioxide,the two mineral sunscreens generally recognized as safe and
effective by the Food and Drug Administration. I find it appalling that companies are allowed to sell suncreens that
do not meet this basic criteria established by the FDA. In Hawaii, in particular, it is astounding that shops are
permited to sell suncreens that are harmful to coral reefs which are such an important part of the ecosystem of the
islands. Not only are coral reefs vital for the health of the fish and oceans that suround our islands but these natural
wonders are also a great draw for tourists.The COVID pandemic has highlighted the importance of tourism on the
Hawaii's economy. Why then would we not do everything in our power to help maintain the health of our oceans
and coral reefs which help to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the islands each year? In talking with both
local residents and numerous tourists over the last year or two it is apparent that most people try their best to use
sunscreens which will not harm the coral reefs and fish which are dependent on them. Unfortunately the misleading
if not outright false labeling of many sunscreens as "reef friendly"greatly impeads these efforts. Many out-of-state
tourists that I have talked to specifically waited until they got to Hawaii to buy sunscreen as they assume that
whatever they bought here would have to be safe for the reefs. It is very embarrassing to have to tell them that
unfortunately this is not true. Clearly this kind of attitude displayed by the tourists should alleviate fears of lost sales
due to banning harmfull chemicals from sunscreens as the visitors will buy whatever sunscreens are available in the
local stores. So if local stores stock only true 'reef friendly' mineral sunscreens which are generally recognized as
safe and effective by the FDA,they should have no trouble selling them.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you again for your efforts to better protect our islands and look forward to the
successful passage of this bill.
Sincerly,
Paul Herring
Emeritus Professor
Kealakekua
HI 96750
Comm.N 11 141
Ref.To: P�CiRN O-M G
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2022
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