A new county law went into effect yesterday on Maui. It’s something visitors should take note of since there is a fine of up to $1,000 possible for violating the new ruling.
The bottom line is this. Don’t use any chemical sunscreen on Maui. Otherwise, you might get a warning or a fine of up to $1,000. The only exception is for persons who have a prescription.
Maui County Council felt that the state ban that went into effect last year was inadequate in addressing the multiple chemicals in sunscreens damaging the island’s fragile ecosystems. The issue is that the banned chemicals can have slightly different versions, making them not technically prohibited according to state law.
Effective October 1, 2022, no chemical-based sunscreens can be used, sold, or distributed on Maui. That means you can’t bring a banned sunscreen and use it on Maui. This goes further than most other bans and provides warnings and substantial fines for using illegal sunscreens rather than just prohibiting their sale and distribution. We wonder how well visitors will be informed about the new law. If you live here, of course, you probably know about it.
Fines up to $1,000 are possible. But how likely is that?
The ordinance provides for fines up to $1,000. For now, warnings are more likely, although we’ve heard nothing about enforcement. You can read the new law below. Enforcement is said to be based on complaints received. Does that mean someone may call the police if they see you spraying a chemical sunscreen instead of applying a non-chemical white cream? We were told that a second warning is when fines may start to be in effect.
Similar Big Island law goes into effect on December 1.
The law there also prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens that are chemical rather than physical in their makeup. Taking a more conservative approach than $30 beach parking wielding Maui, Hawaii county has its own law about to take effect. That county isn’t going to try to enforce what people use but only control the distribution and availability in stores.
The State of Hawaii remains ahead of many other places in banning sunscreens that are damaging to marine environments and coral reefs.
So far, the state has only a ban on two ingredients, oxybenzone and octinoxate. Those are perhaps the two most common chemicals found in thousands of sunscreens. That law went into effect on January 1, 2021.
The state is contemplating enacting a broader ban on chemical sunscreens, somewhat like what the Big Island will be doing.
“Our natural environment is fragile, and our own interaction with the earth can have lasting impacts…. This new law is just one step toward protecting the health and resiliency of Hawaii’s coral reefs.” — Governor David Ige.
Other beach destinations with sunscreen bans; more are coming.
US Virgin Islands. Effective 2021, chemical sunscreens and importation/sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Bonaire. The island banned the sale of chemical sunscreens in 2021.
Key West, Florida. A subsequent statewide act struck down a law banning chemical sunscreens.
Palau. The first country to ban chemical sunscreens. That law went into effect in 2020.
Aruba. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been prohibited since 2020.
Vast quantities of sunscreen chemicals enter the water.
One issue is that a significant percentage of sunscreen that is applied makes its way into the water. Over time with Maui’s enormous number of visitors, huge amounts of sunscreen end up in Hawaii’s coral reefs. This is believed to cause coral damage, bleaching, DNA injury, starvation, and reproductive and development issues. Reefs are an integral part of our marine ecosystem and are essential to the environment. According to NOAA, “coral reefs buffer adjacent shorelines from wave action and prevent erosion, property damage and loss of life.”
JAMA study said chemical sunscreens are more dangerous than previously revealed.
Children are more at risk than adults. The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that “sunscreen products containing avobenzone, oxybenzone, Ecamsule, and octocrylene need far more research. One concern is that blood concentration of the chemicals can be found after just one day of sunscreen use. These rise with continued use and applications. JAMA questioned if these products can be considered “generally regarded as safe and effective.”
“Oxybenzone… has been found in human breast milk (and) in amniotic fluid, urine, and blood… Some studies…have raised questions about the potential for oxybenzone to affect endocrine activity.” — JAMA
What do you think of the new sunscreen ban on Maui?
Ord. 5306
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Barbara f says
I lived on Maui for for years and loved it so much. I never have and never will wear sunscreen. Why on earth would I slather or spray chemicals on my largest organ. Most of my friends who used sunscreen eventually had skin cancer. I just never bask in the sun between 10 and 4. Simple. I’m 85 and have never had skin cancer, though spending my life in sun states – Texas, Arizona and Hawaii.
win j says
It is interesting that you link NOAA for the (obvious) statement that reefs are important, but switch to passive voice “this is believed to cause…” rather than cite any kind of research or scientist supporting the Maui ban. Actual conservation biologists and reef health experts know this drastic ban is useless, and point out that there’s zero evidence that titanium dioxide and other so called “reef safe” chemicals are actually helpful.
Completely absent from discussions in the legislature or the media is the fact that many residents who work/play daily far from the reefs depend on sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. Rather than support reef-saving measures that actually work politicians score cheap green-washing points with an easy ban.
SK L. says
Yes or something like it. $1000 seems way over the top to me but sunscreen pollution is an issue. It seems that the remediation and/or penalty should be standardized on all islands. By-the-way what does “chemical” even mean. State of Hawaii Act 104 disallows the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate but there are hardly any products that contain those chemicals anymore. Even so-called “reef safe” mineral based sunscreens contain a boatload of chemicals. What is the definition of a true reef safe product?
Anecdote: At Poipu Beach the other day I was asking the lifeguard where the rip current was and he pointed out the stream of sunscreen washing out to sea. True but sad story.
Greg Katz says
No. No. and no, again!
All that will do is disenfranchise visitors to Maui, except for the Green Peace visitors, and create another level of the government to monitor, arrest and prosecute the “violators”.
How will the county monitor this? Use spies and snitches who roam the beaches looking for people who are putting on sunscreen?
Gwen says
I’m all for it. For myself, I wear a light airy rash guard and leggings. These work like SPF 50. In and out of the water. Problem solved.
BARBARA M says
Problem solved for you! But how about the other 99.9999999% of the population!?!?!?!
BARBARA M says
Good for you! But what about the other 99.9999999% of the population!
Glenn W says
The best approach is to ban the use of products that contain threatening ingredients in areas where coral reefs are most susceptible to exposure. This type of regulatory policy has been in place for almost 15 years in Mexico’s Eco reserves, including Xcaret and Xel-Há.
Here is a good article from 2019 about the problem and why it should be nationwide not just in Hawaii. dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7025145/Why-sunscreen-better-Europe-EU-allows-27-UVA-blocking-ingredients.html
Jan D says
Is this for use only on the beach? Or pools also? Because if I bring something in and don’t use it on the beach, only when walking around? Looking for clarification on this
BARBARA M says
Correct – the issue is coral degradation.
Barbara M says
The issue is coral degradation so you’re fine with what you described.
BB says
You should not use it at all, even if you don’t go into the ocean. When you shower the chemicals go down the drain and eventually find their way to the ocean.
Jim T says
Perhaps one of the state agencies could, with input of all airlines flying to Hawaii, produce a short video that would be played at the start of All Flights, just like the safety presentation. I have pitched this idea to HAL a time or two over the years.
Marjorie W says
All efforts to protect the reef I would support. As the Agricultural screen is done they should include sunscreens to be a part of the screening process. Airlines,hotels car rental should also alert the travelers of the new law at time of booking to educate all travelers to the islands.
Naia says
Yes, they definitely should fine people. So sick of having the clueless and rude people of this world contaminate our water , land and air that we all have to share. All of our laws should be enforced. No smoking on the beaches as well!! Cigarette butts are e v e r y w h e r e! Disgusting habit. Smoking in public spread Covid repeatedly throughout the restaurants’ staffs across the islands (and on mainland) – but it is never outlawed in public and it’s not enforced on the beaches where it is illegal. Cigarette smoke, even in small quantities, exposes everybody who is downwind or nearby to carcinogens as does spraying these banned sunscreens. I’m literally physically sick and tired from exposure to these.
Beni says
Ban sunscreen, but leave the dilapidated vehicles parked on the streets and the waterfront. what
are the tent cities, using a “facility”?
Jeffrey Z. says
Hawaii should hold high environmental standards. Enough chemicals being dumped on our Earth