HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.345 2020-2022 p /Counci
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COMM.-T7(
From: Ban Toxic Sunscreens
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2022 6:55 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: TESTIMONY IN STRONG SUPPORT BILL 167
Attn: Chair Maile David, Co-Chair Aaron Chung, and members of the County of Hawaii's Council
We are writing on behalf of over 700 members of our groups Ban Toxic Sunscreens and the Safe
Sunscreen Coalition.
As visitors return to Hawaii, they ignorantly buy up sunscreens they believe are safe because sunscreens
companies tell consumers their products are "reef friendly" or "Hawaii compliant". In fact, Hawaii inadvertently
allowed these brands to market themselves as safe as long as they removed the two ingredients we banned from
sales throughout the state: oxybenzone and octinoxate. This despite the reality that there is an excess of studies
that show all US-approved chemical UV filters have a negative impact on people and/or our marine environment. As
we stand now, visitors are dumping thousands of gallons of these toxic chemicals and hormone disruptors into our
fragile ecosystem every week. It doesn't need to be this way.
Presently we have hundreds of reef friendly sunscreen options. The transition for businesses will be very easy. In
fact if needed we can provide a comprehensive PDF list with links to make it easy for store buyers to contact these
brands and quickly fill their shelves with safer mineral sunscreen formulations.
We understand the chemical sunscreen lobbyists need to protect their bottom dollar, but more importantly it's
time for Hawaii to protect Hawaii's people, marine life, coastal infrastructure. We submit testimony in strong
support of Bill 167.,to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of humans and the environment by allowing only
mineral sunscreens to be provided, sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the County.
Mahalo,
-471
Wilkie McClaren
Ban Toxic Sunscreens
Safe Sunscreen Coalition
Comm. No.,-11 I2
Ref.To: P ,town LAI
Ref. Date JUN - 1 2022