HI SCR53

Requests the Department of Health and John A. Burns School of Medicine to collaborate with county, state, and federal agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to study the impact of oxybenzone and octinoxate on humans, particularly pregnant women.

Directs the Department of Health and John A. Burns School of Medicine to complete a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation by December 1, 2019, and submit the report to the Legislature by January 5, 2020.

Identifies that oxybenzone and octinoxate contaminate Hawaii's coastal waters through sunscreen use and act as pseudo-persistent pollutants in marine environments.

Notes that studies link prenatal exposure to oxybenzone with developmental pathologies including Hirschsprung's disease and that oxybenzone levels are 62 percent higher in individuals who consume seafood at least five times per month.

Cites evidence that these compounds induce feminization in male fish, reproductive diseases in marine species, and developmental deformities in fish, sea urchins, coral, and shrimp.