HI HCR123

Urges all four county councils (Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii County) to enact ordinances banning the sale and rental of full-face snorkel masks in Hawaii.

Cites an average of 17 snorkeling-related deaths per year in Hawaii, with 14 deaths occurring in the first three months of 2018 and 8 deaths near Maui beaches between January 14-27, 2018.

Notes that full-face snorkel mask design makes it difficult for users to remove the mask when panicking and may cause carbon dioxide buildup, potentially leading to disorientation or loss of consciousness.

References two tourist deaths in January 2018 involving visitors wearing full-face snorkel masks, as well as concerns from experienced watermen and women regarding the masks' propensity to leak and fog.

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Council Chairs of all four county councils.