HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-14 Letter to Chris Lee re SB 1150 SD 2 Relating to Preserving Coral ReefsHarry Kim
Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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March 14, 2017
Representative Chris Lee, Chair
Committee on Energy & Environmental
Protection
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Lee and Committee members:
RE: SB 1150, SD 2
Relating to Preserving Coral Reefs
If there is a scientific consensus that sunscreen containing oxybenzone is
harmful to the environment, and that it is worse than the alternative sunscreen products
available, I would urge the Legislature to ban the sale of products containing
oxybenzone in Hawaii. That would be much more efficient than banning its use on the
beach. It would not eliminate the problem entirely (tourists might still bring product in)
but I would think that the use of the chemical in Hawaii would be dramatically reduced.
My problem is that the Department of Health's testimony in the Senate did not
assert that a scientific consensus exists, although its testimony is labeled as being in
favor of the bill. If that could be clarified, I would urge the Legislature to use SB 1150 as
an appropriate vehicle to forcefully address the problem.
submitted,
arryrry Kim
Mayor
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