MAUI SENATORS LONG-TIME SUPPORT OF BAN NOW A REALITY
HONOLULU, HI – Maui Senators J. Kalani English, Rosalyn H. Baker and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran stood proud, today, as Governor David Ige signed Senate Bill 2571 – a ban on the sale of products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in order to preserve marine ecosystems.
For several years Maui legislators, including State Representative Lynn DeCoite, have introduced measures limiting or banning the use of the chemicals in products like sunscreen.
“Science has proven that these chemicals are destroying our reefs. It is about time that we ban these chemicals. Hawai‘i is a leader in the protection of our environment,” said Senator Baker (Dist. 6 – South and West Maui).
“Coral and coral beds are the bedrock of our islands, they hold cultural significance and in the rural districts I represent, the reef system and ocean continues to be a source of life and sustenance,” said Senator English (Dist. 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe), “I am happy that our hard work became law today.”
“Because Hawai‘i is a culmination of island people who loves the ocean’s bounty, fishing continues to be a means of subsistence no matter the district we represent,” said Senator Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5 – Central Maui).
The ban will go into effect on January 1, 2021 – allowing time for the State of Hawai‘i to educate the broader public and for companies to change the formula of their products.
Photos attached courtesy of Hawai‘i State Senate
###