HI SR100

Hawaii Tourism Authority is requested to establish an educational campaign informing visitors about the harmful effects of oxybenzone sunscreen on coral reefs and encouraging them to avoid oxybenzone-based products.

Oxybenzone exposure has been linked to coral larvae deformity, bleaching, and DNA damage that weakens coral systems' ability to adapt to climate change.

Hawaii Tourism Authority must submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2019 Regular Session detailing efforts to educate visitors about oxybenzone's harmful effects on coral reefs.

Alternative sunscreen ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide are identified as viable replacements that provide sun protection without harming coral ecosystems.