HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.295 2020-2022 P/CounciI
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Aloha Committee, 2011 MAY 31 AM 08
My name is Ashley Hechavarria and I am testifying today on behalf of Pacific Whale Foundation,whose
mission is to protect the ocean through science and advocacy,and inspire environmental stewardship.
I am testifying in support of Bill 167.
Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world,supporting nearly one
million species of algae, invertebrates,and fish. Research has shown that some chemicals commonly
found in sunscreen can damage coral reefs by disrupting coral reproduction, inhibiting growth,
deforming coral DNA,and increasing the rate of zooxanthellae viruses and coral bleaching.
It has been revealed that adjustments in single polymers in a chemical compound can yield a new
compound with similar impacts to the ecosystem, however the change in name can exempt it from law.
By this logic, implementing a law that allows only mineral-based sunscreens strengthens the intent of
the legislation,and disallows manufacturers from finding loopholes by adjusting their chemical
compounds slightly.
There are two kinds of sunscreen -chemical and physical (also called mineral). Chemical sunscreens are
most common,and work by absorbing UV rays,while physical sunscreens create a barrier on your skin
and reflect the UV rays.
The science is clear that many of the elements in chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral and other
marine life.
According to the 2020 Hawai'i Ocean Resources Management Plan as well as the Hawai'i Tourism
Authority,around 10 million people visit Hawai'i every year. Of this, it is reported that 80%of visitors
take part in marine activities.
We must take swift action and take a different approach to sunscreen prohibitions to ensure that we do
not continue to add reef damaging chemicals into our waters day after day.
Mahalo for your time
Ashley Hechavarria
Conservation Coordinator
Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Ma'alaea Road Ste 211,Wailuku, HI 96793
Office: (808) 856-8347
Pacific Whale.orq
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