The legislature finds that the health of Hawaii's marine ecosystem is a matter of serious and ongoing concern in the State. In particular, coral in Hawaii's waters have shown increasing significant signs of damage, including extensive bleaching. The legislature further finds that many factors, such as water temperature, contribute to this damage, but that the damage is exacerbated by the presence of chemicals that are toxic to coral. Recent research has demonstrated that oxybenzone and Octinoxate are toxic to coral organisms, cause deformation in the larval form of coral, and contribute to coral bleaching.
Related links: Flyer | Presentation by Dr. Craig Downs (PDF)