Maui Now: Presentation July 7: “Next Steps Beyond Enactment of Hawaiʻi’s Sunscreen Law”

CAPTION: Dr. Craig Downs, Executive Director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, gathers coral samples at Honolua Bay on Maui. His groundbreaking research educated the world about sunscreen chemicals and their role in coral reef decline. Downs will be one of the speakers at the free Zoom presentation on “Education vs. Enforcement: Next Steps Beyond the Enactment of Hawaiʻi’s Sunscreen Law” that will be hosted by Maui Nui Marine Resource Council on Wednesday, July 7 at 5:30 pm. Joining him as a presenter will be Hawaiʻi Senator Mike Gabbard, who authored the legislation that resulted in Hawaiʻi’s ban on the sale of sunscreens that contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. Image courtesy of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.

ARTICLE:
Hawaiʻi’s ban on sunscreens containing the reef-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate went into effect on January 1, but questions relating to enforcement, effectiveness, impacts of replacement chemicals and whether new laws are needed have surfaced.

These topics will be discussed on Wednesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. via a free Zoom presentation featuring special guest speakers:

• Dr. Craig Downs, whose groundbreaking research educated the world about sunscreen chemicals and their role in coral reef decline; and
• Hawaiʻi Senator Mike Gabbard, who authored the legislation that resulted in Hawaiʻi’s ban on the sale of sunscreens that contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.

The presentation titled “Education vs. Enforcement: Next Steps Beyond the Enactment of Hawaiʻi’s Sunscreen Law” is sponsored by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and is hosted by Maui Nui Marine Resource Council as part of the organization’s “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series.”

This event is free, but advanced reservations are required.

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