HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.444 2020-2022 P/Caunct
Psi(( [I1
UNTY i CAMM.-r(
FmRETAIMERCHANTS lOMAY I A U: �.
OF HAWAII
TESTIMONY OF TINA YAMAKI, PRESIDENT
RETAIL MERCHANTS OF HAWAII
June 1, 2022
Re: Bill 167: AMENDS CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED), BY
ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF NON-MINERAL SUNSCREEN
Good morning, Chairperson David and members of Hawaii County Council. I am Tina Yamaki, President of the Retail
Merchants of Hawaii and I appreciate this opportunity to testify.
The Retail Merchants of Hawaii was founded in 1901, RMH is a statewide, not for profit trade organization committed to
the growth and development of the retail industry in Hawaii. Our membership includes small mom &pop stores, large box
stores, resellers, luxury retail, department stores, shopping malls, local, national, and international retailers, chains, and
everyone in between.
We are opposed to Bill 167:Amends Chapter 14 of the Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, As Amended), By
Adding a New Article Relating to the Prohibition of Non-Mineral Sunscreen.
This measure would go beyond the already current state law.banning sunscreens with oxybenzone,octinoxate.
Sunscreen is not just used for beach and other water activity purposes. Hawaii is known for its many sunny days
and many residents and visitors who uses sunscreen include little leaguers, bikers, soccer and baseball players, and
joggers to name a few.With the pandemic we are seeking more people and families enjoying outdoor sports biking,
playing outside, and going to the park.
Sunscreen comes in many forms that include face moisturizers,eye creams, hair care products, after shave
balm, lip balm, hand creams, body lotions, insect repellent and more. If this measure passes,we will continue to see
many of these types of beauty products stop being sold in our local stores and instead customers will purchase them
online or from the mainland with companies who may not have no ties to Hawaii. This type of ban would also
encourage black market sales of these items as well.
Many of us do NOT go to the beach but wear sunscreen daily to protect ourselves from the effects of the sun like
skin cancer-the most common form of cancer. Every year there are more cases of skin cancer in the United States than
incidences of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer combined. One out'of five Americans will
develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies of melanoma(the deadliest form of skin cancer)every hour.
Most melanomas are caused by the sun, and a person's risk of melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than
five sunburns.
We may also run the risk of people no longer wearing sunscreen and thus increasing their chances of skin
cancer. This ban would also penalize those who do not go to the beach but use sunscreen on a regular basis like golfers,
gardeners, and construction workers to name a few. Sunscreen products should be affordable and accessible first line of
defense for individuals seeking protection from the sun's cancer-causing UV rays. Banning the sale of these products will
drastically reduce the selection of sunscreen products available in Hawaii County as well as compel local residents to
purchase products online or not use sunscreen at all and our visitors to bring their own in their suitcases.
We also would like to point out that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)considers sunscreens to be a
nonprescription drug. Because of this it is our understanding that many of the health care plans do NOT cover the cost
of sunscreen and people would have to pay full cost of the product. How many people will actually take time off from
work, pay a co-payment to see a doctor and then wait in the pharmacy to a get a prescription for suntan lotion?
Not to mention having to pay for the expensive sunscreen because insurance may not cover it.
The FDA has issued a proposed order NOT A FINAL ORDER, which data is being gathered to fill the identified safety
gaps.These sunscreen ingredients have been used for years.We should wait to see what the FDA final order is.
For these reasons,we respectfully urge you to hold this bill. Mahalo again for this opportunity to testify. R��1.� {
Comm. No.111
.® Ref.To: PI(JakW '
3610 Waialae Ave.Honolulu, HI 96816 (808)592-4200 tyamaki@rmhawi iettate JUN v 1 2022