Question: Can you explain the new sunscreen law? In Longs recently I found sunscreen with 4 percent oxybenzone. Is it OK to use?
Answer: It’s legal to sell and purchase, if that’s what you mean. The state Legislature approved a bill banning over-the-counter sales in Hawaii of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate, but Gov. David Ige has yet to sign it into law. Even if he does, the ban wouldn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2021.
If the bill does become law, the sunscreen you found would not be allowed without a prescription. SB 2571, SD2, HD2, CD1, which you can read at 808ne.ws/sb2571, prohibits nonprescription sunscreen containing any amount of oxybenzone or octinoxate, chemicals that scientists say harm marine life, particularly coral reefs. (See one study on the subject at 808ne.ws/study).
The bill received its final legislative approval May 3 and was sent to the governor that day, according to the legislative index. Ige’s final date to approve or veto any measure is July 10; by Monday he must issue a list of bills he intends to veto.
Jodi Leong, a spokeswoman for the governor, declined to speculate Monday whether he would sign the sunscreen bill. The measure is undergoing legal, policy and departmental review, like every bill sent to the governor for consideration, she said.
For the bill’s legislative history, and links to testimony for and against it, see 808ne.ws/leghis. Generally, those who support the bill do so to preserve Hawaii’s marine environment, on which our tourism economy depends. Opponents predict a rise in skin cancer, and some say the scientific research needs more peer review.
Many beachgoers aren’t waiting for an official ban, giving up oxybenzone- or octinoxate-based sunscreens in favor of mineral-based ones, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are safer for coral reefs and other marine life, according to the National Park Service and other agencies. Read why at 808ne.ws/reefsafer.
Mahalo
On Memorial Day my family and I went to visit George K. Lindsey Sr. and Joan S. Lindsey at their resting place in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). Like most others, we placed a beautiful bouquet of flowers by their headstones and said our prayers and softly sang “Ho‘onani i ka Makua Mau.” After a few moments of contemplation, we began to leave when we were approached by a Marine sergeant in his dress uniform … who respectfully asked to pay his own respects to our family. We welcomed his respect. I identified my father as a tech 5 who served in World War II and my mother as Gramma.
He gathered himself and filled his bagpipes and played a soulful version of the Army anthem “The Caissons Go Rolling Along.” We were filled with emotion and pride, as were the rest on the veterans who stopped and stepped out from their vehicles, which were adorned with flags. We all listened to this young Marine, who took his time and played it right.
When his performance ended, he completed his very intense and slow salute, thanked us, shook our hands and hugged. He gracefully accepted our thanks and quietly marched away.
I was trying so hard to control my emotions that I forgot to ask his name. I want him to know that we will never forget him for his own sacrifices and for the honor he bestowed upon my father and thereby our family. We want this young Marine to know he made our Memorial Day an unforgettable piece of family history. He is on our list of daily prayers. Mahalo nui loa from the Lindsey ohana. — George K. Lindsey Jr.
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
