Bill Text: HI SB1150 | 2018 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Preserving Coral Reefs.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2018-03-15 - Received notice of discharge of conferees (Hse. Com. No. 385). [SB1150 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2018-SB1150-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1150 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PRESERVING CORAL REEFS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, has detrimental effects on coral reefs. The World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature met in September 2016 in Honolulu. The Congress disclosed that 2015 research led by a University of Hawai‘i professor implicated oxybenzone in coral larvae deformity, bleaching, and DNA damage that weakens coral systems' adaptability to climate change. The threat is particularly acute in Hawaiian ocean waters where coral bleaching is occurring at a historic rate never before noted in recorded history.
The legislature further finds that there are reasonable alternatives to oxybenzone-based sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, that allow beach users to enjoy the outdoors without compromising sun protection.
The findings of the World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature are in line with the senate's focus on "Aloha Honua – Climate Change and Energy". Aloha Honua seeks to protect and preserve Hawai‘i's natural resources by exploring ways to improve agricultural practices and mitigate climate change impacts. Aloha Honua is a commitment to supporting the preservation of nature's unique geographic features, including coral reefs, coastlines, and watersheds. Aloha Honua also encourages the use of innovative technologies to combat invasive species, address biosecurity risks, conserve the State's water resources and coral reefs, address changing sea levels, and protect the State's fragile marine ecosystem.
The purpose of this Act is to protect Hawai‘i's coral reefs by prohibiting the use of sunscreens and cosmetics containing oxybenzone at beaches or in the ocean.
SECTION 2. Chapter 187A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§187A- Oxybenzone; sunscreen and cosmetics restrictions. No person shall use or apply sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic containing any oxybenzone while on a beach in Hawaii or in the ocean, unless the sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic is a prescription drug as defined in section 328-112.
For purposes of this section, "oxybenzone" includes benzophenone-3 and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl phenylmethanone."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Sunscreen; Oxybenzone; Beaches; Ocean
Description:
Prohibits the use or application of sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic containing oxybenzone while on a beach or in the ocean unless the sunscreen, sunblock, or cosmetic is a prescribed drug. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
