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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />(911UUfV of �afUti't`i <br />(Offire of for ffiBgrur <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 . Hilo, Hawaii 96720 . (808) 961-8211 . Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA. 74-5044 Ane Keobokalole Hwy, Bldg C . Kadua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808)323-4444 . Fax(808)323-4440 <br />March 14, 2017 <br />Representative Chris Lee, Chair <br />Committee on Energy & Environmental <br />Protection <br />Hawai'i State Capitol <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Lee and Committee members: <br />RE: SB 1150, SD 2 <br />Relating to Preserving Coral Reefs <br />If there is a scientific consensus that sunscreen containing oxybenzone is <br />harmful to the environment, and that it is worse than the alternative sunscreen products <br />available, I would urge the Legislature to ban the sale of products containing <br />oxybenzone in Hawaii. That would be much more efficient than banning its use on the <br />beach. It would not eliminate the problem entirely (tourists might still bring product in) <br />but I would think that the use of the chemical in Hawaii would be dramatically reduced. <br />My problem is that the Department of Health's testimony in the Senate did not <br />assert that a scientific consensus exists, although its testimony is labeled as being in <br />favor of the bill. If that could be clarified, I would urge the Legislature to use SB 1150 as <br />an appropriate vehicle to forcefully address the problem. <br />submitted, <br />arryrry Kim <br />Mayor <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />