S.C.R. No. 39 Summary

• Urges the state to implement a statewide responsible tourism initiative educating visitors about sustainable behaviors regarding sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, polystyrene, and single-use plastic food service items.

• Requests creation of a tourism waste education advisory group consisting of 11 members including legislative chairs, state agency heads, Hawaii Tourism Authority representatives, and industry/environmental representatives to recommend and assess the initiative.

• Advisory group members serve without compensation and must submit recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2020, with ongoing reports due 20 days before each regular legislative session.

• Advisory group is authorized to cease operations on December 31, 2025.

• Addresses the concern that nearly 10 million annual visitors to Hawaii, with approximately 4 million participating in organized tours, contribute to environmental damage estimated at $13 billion per year in global marine plastic pollution costs.