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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.495 2020-2022 /Gund, OW K11 r jow V Council Chair ,4 Director of Council Services Alice L. Lee Traci N.T. Fujita, Esq. Vice-Chair Deputy Director of Council Services Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez O. David M. Raatz,Jr., Esq. Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Tasha Kama COUNTY COUNCIL Councilmembers COUNTY OF MAUI C= Gabe Johnson 200 S. HIGH STREET 0P�4 �4 Kelly Takaya King WAILUKU, MAUI, HAWAII 96793 (- C=-. Michael J. Molina tffxVu> C= Tamara Paltin Shane M. Sinenci Yuki Lei K.Sugimura June 13, 2022 X, TO: Honorable Maile David, Chair Honorable Aaron Chung, Co-Chair Members of the Hawaii County Council FROM: Kelly Takaya King Chair, Climate Action, Resilience, and Environment Committee Maui County Council SUBJECT: Testimony In Strong Support Of Bill No. 167, Relating To The Prohibition Of Non-Mineral Sunscreen Dear Chair David, Co-Chair Chung, and Members of the Hawaii County Council, Thank you for the opportunity to again testify in strong support of Hawaii County Council's Bill 167, which seeks to preserve the health of coral reefs, humans, and the marine environment by allowing only mineral sunblocks to be provided, sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the County of Hawaii. As you know, I chair the Maui County Council's Climate Action, Resilience, and Environment Committee, and I introduced similar legislation last year. Bill 135 (2021)(the "Maui Bill") was the subject of multiple committee and Council meetings, and eventually became law with the approval of our mayor and the unanimous support of my colleagues on the Council. The law, Ordinance 5306, will go into effect on October 1, 2022. 1 would like to address and clarify what I understand are some sticking points for some of the councilmembers. As to the argument that there are no "reef-safe sunscreens," there is a distinction between "sunscreens" and "sunblocks." The science shows that petrochemical sunscreens (with active ingredients such as avobenzene and a long list of others that Bill 167 would prohibit) are absorbed into the skin, producing an internal reaction in the body to prevent sunburn, whereas mineral sunblocks are not absorbed and block the sun's damaging rays from causing sunburn. Non-nano mineral sunblocks (zinc oxide and titanium -1-1 Comm. No. o: _61 Ref. Date—IR) -1-LM June 13, 2022 Page 2 dioxide) are more effective and safer for humans and the marine environment. Additionally, there is increasing scientific evidence that petrochemical sunscreens of prevent skincancer, especially melanoma. Mineral sunblocks, l a ill 167, are more effective and safer for humans and our marine ecosystems petrochemical sunscres. Following passage of the Maui Bill, I have become more aware of the important distinction between nano and non-nano mineral sunblocks. "Nano" ingredients in mineral sunblocks refer to smaller particles (which could potentially harm coral), whereas non-nano mineral ingredients do not. I would suggest that the Council consider amending Section 14-31 of the proposed bill to prohibit "any non-nano, non-mineral sunblocks without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider." I have noticed that most mineral sunblocks already contain non-nano mineral ingredients as conscientious manufacturers understand the distinction and are voluntarily doing the right thing. As to enforcement of the bill, Maui County will rely mostly on education rather than punitive measures, although willful defiance of this ordinance could result in fines up to $1000 per day. The DLNR is installing mineral sunblock dispensers at several locations, and at the unveiling of the first one on Maui, visitors were eager to use it. They were happy to be informed of the issue and contribute to the solution. It is unfortunate that so many petrochemical sunscreen products are labeled "reef safe," leading to consumer confusion. Bill 167 will remedy that misleading advertising by allowing only mineral sunblocks to be marketed and used. The prohibition of non-mineral sunscreen products will greatly benefit Hawaii County and will provide important protection for our state's precious reef systems. We are sister counties sharing the same ocean. By uniting on this issue, we can magnify our efforts and lead the way for the rest of our state. Please pass Bill No. 167 on second and final reading. Mahalo nui loa, Kelly Takaya King, Maui County Councilmember Chair, Climate Action, Resilience, and Environment Committee Member, Local Government Advisory Committee to the U.S. EPA