HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-20 Letter to Kaniela Ing re SB 1150 SD 2 HD 1 Relating to Preserving Coral Reefs (Sunscreen) �Nvv or
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March 20, 2017
Representative Kaniela Ing, Chair
Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources,
& Hawaiian Affairs
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Ing and Committee Members
RE: SB 1150, SD 2, HD 1
Relating to Preserving Coral Reefs (Sunscreen)
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. 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, far more than an education program ever could accomplish.
However, your decision should be based on science, and the Department of
Health's earlier testimony, on this bill and the House companion, suggests that science
is not ready to make that call.
If the Committee believes there is enough evidence on which to act, I would urge
the Legislature to use HB 450 as an appropriate vehicle to forcefully address the
problem, as suggested above. If, on the other hand, you do not feel you have enough
facts, then limiting the chemical's use as set forth in HD1, and providing for a study that
could generate more information, is worthy of your approval.
Resp-ctfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor
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