Oxybenzone is a chemical used in some sunscreens that has been proven to cause damage to coral. Many other sunscreens already exist on the market that are equally effective, affordable and that are reef-safe. Banning the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone within the State of Hawaii will greatly reduce the amount of oxybenzone that makes its way into the ocean. Our reefs are essential to Hawaii's economy, environment and way of life. We must act now to protect our reefs and reduce the use of sunscreens that cause damage to coral.
Aloha Representative,
Oxybenzone is a chemical used in some sunscreens that has been proven to cause damage to coral. Many other sunscreens already exist on the market that are equally effective, affordable and that are reef-safe. Banning the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone within the State of Hawaii will greatly reduce the amount of oxybenzone that makes its way into the ocean.
Unlike proposals to ban the use of this (but not the sale) or proposals to impose labeling requirements, simply banning the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone will be far more effective, easy to enforce, and have the least impact on taxpayers.
Our reefs are essential to Hawaii's economy, environment, and way of life. We must act now to protect our reefs and reduce the use of sunscreens that cause damage to coral.
Please schedule HB 600 in the Committee for Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Mahalo
