HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-29 Letter to Roy Takumi re SB 1150 SD 2 HD 2 relating to Preserving Coral Reefs (sunscreen) 7cFk•LL: •••• Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim ;
• • • •
Mayor
Barbara J.Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
ClUnN PaiVrai`i
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March 29, 2017
Rep. Roy M. Takumi, Chair
Committee on Consumer Protection &
Commerce
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Takumi and Committee Members:
RE: SB 1150, SD 2, HD 2
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 in Hawaii of products containing oxybenzone. That 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.
And such a prohibition on sale would resolve the law enforcement problem faced by DLNR if it tries to
prevent use by individual boaters or beachgoers.
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 may not be ready to make
that call.
If the Committee believes there is enough evidence on which to act, I would urge the
Legislature to use SB1150 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 providing for a study, one
that could generate more information, is worthy of your approval.
Respectfully submitted,
koi Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.