HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.302 2020-2022 P/Counci f
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r nINTV m ; pit C6M14.T71
COUNTY OF H.AVIA
From: Herring, B Paul
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2022 2:28 PM 1011 MAY 20 PH 3: 55
To: Council Testimony
Subject: - Bill 167
To Chair Maile David, Co-Chair Aaron Cung and Members of the Hawaii County Council.
I would like to submit testimony in strong support of Bill 167, an ordinance amending chapter 14 of the Hawai'i
county code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended),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.
• 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 astounding 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.
• Not only are coral reefs vital for the health of the fish and oceans that suround our islands but these natural
wonders are also a great draw to tourists.The COVID pandemic has highlighted the importance of tourism on
the Hawaii's economy. Why then would we not do everything in our power to help maintain the health of
our oceans and coral reefs which help to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the islands each year?
• In talking with both local residents and numerous tourists over the last year or two it is apparent that most
people try their best to use sunscreens which will not harm the coral reefs and fish which are dependent on
them.
• The misleading if not outright false labeling of many sunscreens as "reef friendly" greatly impeads the efforts
of residents and tourists to buy products which are ecologically responsible.
• Many out-of-state tourists that I have talked to specifically waited until they got to Hawaii to buy sunscreen
as they assume that whatever they bought here would have to be safe for the reefs. It is very embarrassing
to have to tell them that unfortunately this is not true. -
• As tourists are already demonstrating a willingness and desire to buy sunscreen products after arriving in
Hawaii,there is unlikely to be any loss in local sales due to banning harmfull chemicals from sunscreens as
the visitors will buy whatever sunscreens are available in the local stores.
• 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.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you again for your efforts to better protect our islands and look forward to the
successful passage of this bill.
Sincerly,
Paul Herring
Emeritus Professor
Kealakekua
HI 96750 Comm.No.-111.'b2
Ref.To: PI U41Ah(A1
Ref. Date JUN ® 1 2022