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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.293 2020-2022 P/Gouncl 1 ,ni(( 1(07 cow.lit 4, - .. o �d,�AW4, -� awai`i Idi runci © f'ostOffice gox IBJ I,ke.-dakeku,a./lawar'r:Hi 9r5:750 t 47 (e..,-wiaLL / ost('�� ?y ?Fara,tiler,,:fel 9";�9 :ZEIgoe)Q J O Al Celebrating 26 years of protecting i�� � E hawari's native wiIdife through research,education and �•�a-r Y"' conservation. —< "'^+'-c Li .....<;:f4- t.j. 7lri3 Re:County of Hawaii proposed Bill 167(County Council Meeting on June 1,2022) 4°f 31 May 2022 V Aloha Chair Maile David and Hawai'i County Councilmembers, 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 Hawaii 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, ,/\_i 7/ „lif ;0, (Yl` Megan R. Lamson, M.S. Hannah J. Bernard President& Hawai'i Program Director Co-founder& Executive Director 1 megan@wildhawaii.org hannah@wildhawaii.org (808)769-7629(debris hotline) (808) 280-8124 la��iawaii ori Comm.Not-111-W) www.wi Ref.To: 131(MAW Ref. Date JUN - 1 2022