HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.283 2020-2022 P/Council
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From: Gallagher, Patricia J. £aUNT' 9F H".A`IA
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 3:48 PM
To: Council Testimony 1011 HAY 25 PM 3: 58
Subject: Bill 167
To Chair Maile David, Co-Chair Aaron Cung and Members of the Hawaii County Council.
I would like to submit testimony for my vigorous support of Bill 167. Bill 167 amends chapter
14 of the Hawaii county code 1983 (2016 Edition), 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.
• As a previous mainlander who has lived in Hawaii for several years, I ask myself why
did I move here? The answer is the coral reefs which have always been beautiful. I
ask may others why they come to Hawaii and a common response is to snorkel, see
the colorful fish and turtles.
• I find it appalling that companies are allowed to sell suncreens that are not generally
recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) as established by the FDA.
• In Hawaii, in particular, it is unbelievable to me 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 as well as a huge tourist draw.
• Robust coral reefs are essential for the health of the fish and ocean creatures that
suround our islands. They also draw tourists which are essential for our-economy as
evidenced by the effect of the COVID which has forced closure of many shops and
restaurants.\
• Many sunscreens that are available in our own stores are labeled as "reef friendly"
and when you look at the ingredients it is very clear that they are not. This confuses
locals as well as tourists who wait until they arrive to buy sunscreen here and are
trying to respect of our reefs. 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 to both residents and tourists.
Thank you again for your efforts to better protect our islands and I look forward to the
passage of this bill.
Patricia J. Gallagher
Kealakekua
HI 96750 Comm. No,111 V•Z'J
Ref. To: P 1 1[41AVA I
Ref. Date ' JUN - 1 2022