HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0771.553 2020-2022 ��7\
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From: Martha Weissbaum
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2O321:26PM ��
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Bill-167 Sunscreen
TnMembers ofthe County Council:
I am in support of Bill 167 to prohibit sale and/or distribution of non-mineral sunscreen in Hawaii County to better protect our reefs,
marine life, coastal infrastructure and citizens. Chemical based sunscreens inhibit coral growth and longevity of our reef systems,and
quite possibly contain carcinogens.
The elimination of oxybenzone and octinoxate early this year from all sunscreens sold in Hawaii was a positive step. But the active
ingredients in non mineral sunscreens generally include some combination of homosalate,octisalate,octocrylene,avobenzone and
others, and no minerals. While mineral based sunscreens physically block out harmful UVA and UVB rays,chemical sunscreens
absorb them. Mineral based sunscreens,those listing zinc and/or titanium as the only active ingredients, are the only products
approved by the FDA. Similar laws banning chemical sunscreens have been enacted in Key West,Aruba, Palau, Bonaire,and national
parks in Thailand.According to the National Park Service,4000-6000 TONS of sunscreen enter our coral reefs each year,the majority
concentrated intourist hotspoLs.
|nresponse toconcerns raised about the Bill 167, | offer the following:
chemical sunscreen worn when not in the ocean quite likely finds it's way into the ocean when showering
many dermatologists, including my own, recommend mineral sunscreens as safe and effective for preventing skin cancer
most sunscreen manufacturers have at least one mineral based product in their line
chemical sunscreens that contain no minerals, but do not have oxybenzone or octinoxate in compliance with the law,frequently
label themselves 'reef safe'or'reef friendly which is misleading to consumers,tourists in particular,trying to do the right thing.
I am not an attorney, but I believe banning all chemicals does not interfere with the law, but expands upon it.
Use of only mineral sunscreens in the county is one tool that can have a great impact on the health of our reef systems.There are
other factors that degrade our reefs,some of which are man made. We as individuals and as a county have an obligation to do what
wecan topreserve and protect our resources.
Thank you for your consideration. Please vote infavor ofBill I67.
K4arthaVVeiobaum
Hawaii resident and Reef Teach/Koha|aCenter Volunteer
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