HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GREDC 009 2016/10/19 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: October 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 1093/Res. No. 672-16
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:43 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development, to which was referred
Resolution No. 672-16, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 672-16, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication
No. 1093, dated September 29, 2016, urges the 2017 Hawai`i State Legislature to ban the sale of
sunscreens and other personal care products that contain oxybenzone.
Ms. Wille explained that this came out of her time spent at the Conservation Congress, where
discussion occurred regarding impact of these products to Hawaiian coastal areas.
Ms. Eoff said that she will support any efforts to protect the reefs. She is watching the bleaching
and deterioration, has heard the statistics before and would like to move this forward to the state.
Mr. Kanuha stated that although this may not be the ultimate cause for what is happening to local
coral reefs, it is a contributor. There are a lot of things detrimental to the reefs and coral system
which the council needs to take a closer look at. He will support the resolution and urge the state
to also support it.
Mr. Onishi agreed with what Mr. Kanuha stated but questioned if there was enough data from
Hawai`i Island to show that this is a major cause. He said it is the warming of water and climate
change that is causing bleaching and asked if this ban would really help to solve the problem.
Your Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Resolution No. 672-16, and recommends its adoption.
de
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
EOFF x RELA ONS AND ECON MIC DEVELOPMENT
ILAGAN X
KANUHA X ' A-
ONISHI X
PALEKA x DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR
POINDEXTER X GREDC REPORT NO.: 9
WILLE X ADOPTED: NOV 0 2 2016