Hawaii Considering Ban on Certain Sunscreens
Marie Donlon | April 20, 2018Environmentalists and lawmakers alike are showing support for a bill that proposes to ban certain sunscreens from beaches on the Hawaiian Islands.
Sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate — in combination with warming ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidification — are partly responsible for bleaching the coral and stymieing the growth of sea life all around the islands of Hawaii.
An estimated 55 gallons of sunscreen enter the water each day in Maui alone, according to research, with severe implications for the reefs. Without the reefs and sea life, the tourism industry in Hawaii could take a significant hit.
Lawmakers are expected to flesh out the bill with additional details such as exceptions for those using prescription sunscreens containing the hazardous chemicals.
If the bill passes, Hawaii will be the first state to ban sunscreens containing those ingredients.
At the gate: Ma'am, may I see your sunscreen please? We're going to have to take that from you. OK, we have to swab your skin to check for oxybenzone and octinoxate. Oh-oh. You cannot go to this beach until you take a supervised shower in our enforcement facility.