HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.532 2020-2022 , x'61
4M'" 1°1
June 14, 2022
Maile David, Chair
Aaron Chung, Vice Chair
Holeka Goro Inaba M
Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder
Heather L. Kimball
Susan L. K. Lee Loy
Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III
Rebecca Villegas
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Re: SUPPORT of Bill 167:Amends Chapter of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 editio u°° s
amended), by adding a new article related to the prohibition of non-mineral sunscreen.
Aloha Chair David,Vice Chair Chung, and Members of the Hawaii County Council,
Please consider this my written testimony in full support of Bill 167,which would prohibit the sale of
non-mineral sunscreen (unless prescribed) in an effort to support the health of our unique and fragile
marine ecosystems. Over the past decade or so, many researchers have studied the possible impact of
sunscreen ingredients on coral reefs, aquatic plants, fish, and other marine life. For example, a 2016
study by Downs eta[. published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology,
which raised concerns of the effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate.The authors found that baby coral
exposed to oxybenzone exhibited signs of distress, including coral bleaching-a condition that leaves
coral vulnerable to infection and prevents it from getting the nutrients it needs to survive. Coral also had
DNA damage and abnormalities in its growth and skeleton. While science has shown that oxybenzone
and octinoxate may not be killing our corals directly, introducing these chemicals on our reef systems
(and in high concentrations—think Hanauma Bay here) does negatively impact coral recruitment, coral
recovery, and fuel coral bleeching events. Science is not stagnant-as we as a society are constantly
learning and developing protocols that are best for human and environmental health. Please do not be
blinded by uncertainties of science when you have the ability to make a positive impact on the health of
our'aina.
When posed with the issue of consumerism and freedom of choice, let me please offer my insight. I
have been using "reef safe" (i.e., non-nano, mineral based)sunscreens for many years, primarily when I
had my first child and became increasingly concerned about what chemicals I introduced to his body.As
a consumer of reef safe sunscreen for nearly a decade, I can tell you that the options are endless! Even
more importantly, choosing reef safe sunscreens support our local economy, as many Hawai'i-based
small businesses have really set the bar for high quality standards.To be honest, I have a difficult time
choosing which small business to support, because they are all so great.
I humbly ask that you support Bill 167 and make a proactive move to protect our'aina, one step at a
time.
Mahalo,
Jodie Rosam
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date J111 1 5 2022