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Senate committee backs bill to fund sunscreen dispensers at state beaches, with reservations over 'reef-safe' language
Summary
A joint Senate committee voted to pass SB2426 allowing DLNR to partner with private entities to install sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and to promote mineral sunscreens; advocates urged passage while some witnesses and members warned the science on reef impacts is still unsettled.
A joint Senate committee on Feb. 11 voted to advance SB2426 permitting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form partnerships to maintain sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and to publicize mineral-based sunscreen as more protective of coral reefs. The committee recommended passing the bill with amendments and deferred the effective date; members recorded reservations about limiting state-funded dispensers to specific product types.
Charlie Taylor of DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources said the department "stands on our written testimony in support" and is available for questions (SEG 262–266). Ted Bolen of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition urged the committee to approve the measure, saying mineral sunscreens have federal approval where some chemical sunscreens have not and that dispensed mineral sunscreen could protect both beachgoers and reefs. "Mineral sunscreens have been found to be graced by the federal government, and the chemical sunscreens have not," Bolen said (SEG 276–281).
Lynn Miyahira, testifying for Public Access to Sunscreens, supported free dispensers but cautioned that the science on reef impacts is evolving and warned mineral sunscreens in high quantities can also harm marine life. "The science is still evolving on how much of an impact sunscreen chemicals actually do have on coral reefs," she said, urging the Legislature to avoid restricting access to all FDA-approved sunscreens (SEG 313–321).
Members noted that "reef-safe" lacks a single scientifically meaningful definition and recorded votes with reservations to reflect those uncertainties. The committee voted to pass the bill with amendments, including deferring the effective date and blanking and then inserting appropriations into the committee report for consideration.
Next steps: The bill was adopted by the committees with amendments and will appear in the committee report; sponsors and staff are expected to refine appropriation language and clarify product standards and the education component.
Votes: The committee recommended passing SB2426 with amendments; several members recorded votes "with reservations" to signal concern about definitions and product availability.
