HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

600

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that oxybenzone, a chemical found in some sunscreens and other personal care products sold in the State of Hawaii, has been shown to cause serious harm to corals.

     According to a recent study by the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, oxybenzone causes deformities in coral larvae, making them unable to swim, settle out, and form new coral colonies.  Oxybenzone also increases the rate at which coral bleaching occurs.  This puts coral reef health at risk and reduces reef resiliency to climate change.

     Sunscreen chemicals enter the ocean by washing off swimmers, surfers, paddlers, spearfishers, divers, and other ocean users.  Researchers have found oxybenzone concentrations in some Hawaiian waters at more than thirty times the level considered safe for corals.  Oxybenzone has also been shown to disrupt the development of fish and other marine life.

     Oxybenzone may also have negative effects on human health.  Oxybenzone and two other sunscreen chemicals, octinoxate and homosalate, have all been shown to cause disruptive reproductive system effects due to their hormone-like activity.  Oxybenzone and octinoxate have also been associated with moderate to high rates of skin allergy.

     The legislature further finds that there are alternative sunscreens and personal care products available that do not contain oxybenzone.  Recommended sunscreens use mineral filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

     Hawaii is a popular tourist destination that is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.  It is important for the State of Hawaii to promote ocean health and protect its surrounding coral reefs from negative effects that can be controlled or mitigated.

     The purpose of this Act is to promote ocean health by prohibiting the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of sunscreen or personal care products containing oxybenzone.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342D-     Sale of sunscreens and personal care products containing oxybenzone; prohibited.  (a)  It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale sunscreens or personal care products that contain oxybenzone.

     (b)  Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 28, 2081.



Report Title:

Sunscreen; Personal Care Products; Oxybenzone; Ban

 

Description:

Bans the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of sunscreen or personal care products containing oxybenzone.  (HB600 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.