HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.178 2020-2022 P/CRNRMG
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P.O.Box 437462 I Kamuela,Hawaii 96743 I +1 808 887-6411 I Fax+1808 885-6707 I kohalacenter org
THE KOHA A C ► TER
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Re: Bill 167
Hearing Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022. co "'
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Position: Strong Support for County Bill 167 '—
Aloha Honorable Council Chair Rebecca Villegas,Co-Chair Heather Kimball,and the members of the
Committee on Climate Resilience &Natural Management:
Approximately one-fourth of the plants,fish,and invertebrates found in Hawaiian coral reefs are endemic
to Hawai'i.Coral reefs are intrinsic to Hawaiian culture and provide critical natural protection against
coastal erosion and sea-level rise.Further,our coral reefs underpin our vibrant tourism industry,Hawai'i's
primary and vital economic engine.Where people use our marine environments as recreational resources,
there is sunscreen pollution.Swimmers put on sunscreen products before they get into the water and over
an hour much of the sunscreen on the skin will slough off,potentially contaminating the surrounding
water.This is a grave concern because it has been reported in the scientific literature that chemicals in
sunscreen can have irreversibly detrimental effects on marine life,including changes in fish behavior,
damage to coral DNA and larvae,and the health of algae,fish,shellfish,urchins,and marine mammals.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already recognized this existential threat to
our coral reefs See:Skincare Chemicals and Marine Life (noaa.gov))
SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS AND MARINE LIFE
How sunscreen chemicals enter our environment:
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Here area few ways to protect ourselves and marine life:
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On September 24,2021,the FDA issued a proposed order concerning nonprescription sunscreen
drug products.In the proposed order,two mineral products zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are
deemed generally recognized as safe and effective(GRASE),and fourteen products are deemed
NOT GRASE.Of the fourteen products,twelve products do not currently contain sufficient data to support
positive GRASE classification.The twelve products that require additional data are avobenzone,cinoxate,
dioxybenzone,ensulizole,homosalate,meradimate,octinoxate,octisalate,octocrylene,oxybenzone,
padimate 0,and sulisobenzone.
Comm. No. 11 I ' 11%
Ref. To: P G�RN 94•A(..
EDUCATION.ENVIRONMENT.EMPOWERMENT. -Ref. Foote MAY 1 7 2022
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The Kohaia Center is an equal opportunity provider,employer,and lender
The Environmental Protection Agency,Center for Disease Control,American Cancer Society,World Health
Organization,as well as hundreds of scientists and dermatologists,have reported that certain chemical
sunscreens are harmful to many forms of life and have not been shown to decrease skin cancer. To protect
from the sun and reduce the impact on coral reefs they suggest that people avoid the mid-day sun,wear a
protective hat and clothing,and apply sunscreen with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main
ingredient.This is a much better course for public health and the environment than using a petrochemical
sunscreen that may cause harm to the coral reefs and other marine life.
We ask for your strong support for Bill 167 restricting the use of sunscreen petrochemicals that have
questionable effects on the health of humans and marine life in alignment with the Precautionary
Principle,allowing us to protect our environment and communities for future generations.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Punihaole Kennedy,Director
Kahalu'u Bay Education Center
a program of The Kohala Center
EDUCATION.ENVIRONMENT.EMPOWERMENT.
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Thr Kohala Center if an equal opportumly pro oder,employer.and lender