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From: J. B. Friday
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2022 9:58 PM2�fl y 27 8: 26
To: Council Testimony
Subject: opposed to Bill 167
Aloha Hawai`i County Council,
I am writing to oppose Bill 167, which would ban all non-mineral sunscreens in Hawai`i County.
I understand that some chemicals in sunscreens can damage coral reefs. Whenever I go paddling or swimming, I wear
mineral sunscreens. But, like most people on our island, most of the time when I am in the sun I am hiking, biking,
working in the garden, or doing something else on land. The sunscreen I wear then won't affect our reefs but it will
help protect me from skin cancer. Hawaii has a high rate of melanoma, and dermatologists recommend sunscreen to
help prevent skin cancer. Mineral sunscreens are pasty and sticky and cost about twice what conventional sunscreens
cost. If you take conventional sunscreens off the market, many people will not use mineral sunscreens, or will use less
because they cost more. Skin cancers will increase. I do not think we should be compromising people's health for reef
health.
One suggestion would be a county-wide education program at beaches to encourage people to wear mineral sunscreen
when they are in the ocean. I've seen this in other places. I've even seen dispersers at beaches with reef-friendly
sunscreen. Why is Hawai`i behind in the educational effort but jumping straight to bans, which could do more harm
than good?
I urge you to read the testimony(both for and against) a similar measure that was introduced at the state level last
year. It can be found here:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/testimony/HB102_HD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_02-17-21_.PDF. I found
the testimony of the dermatologists particularly compelling. I also see that the National Academy of Science is
conducting a review of environmental and effects of sunscreens: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-
work/environmental-impact-of-currently-marketed-sunscreens-and-potential-human-impacts-of-changes-in-
sunscreen-usage. I would suggest that any County action be postponed until this thorough review is done and the
science is clear.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. •
Sincerely,
J. B. Friday
J. B. Friday
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.
- Albert Einstein Comm. No 1 •281
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