Effective October 1, 2022, Maui County will no longer allow the sale, distribution and/or use of non-mineral sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Sunscreens that are mineral based using active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide will be allowed.
What is this law?
Hawaii already has a sunscreen ban, however, Maui makes it a little more restrictive. Ordinance 5306 from Bill 135 finds that coral reefs are essential for the livelihood of the residents of the County of Maui and action must be taken to protect them from the harmful impacts of sunscreens that contain harmful chemical compounds.
By banning the sale, distribution and use, there can be hope to reverse the effects of coral bleaching.
There are other places that have their own sunscreen bans. These include parts of Mexico, Palau, Key West, Bonaire, Aruba and the US Virgin Islands.
How to Purchase Sunscreen?
You will be able to purchase reef safe sunscreens from retailers on Maui when you visit, however, you can come prepared. Here are a few sunscreens that are considered to be mineral-only.
If you have a medical condition… No worry chicken curry! As long as you have a prescription for using non-mineral sunscreen, you are good to go.
The ban doesn’t apply to people who have a prescription for using non-mineral sunscreen.
How Will The Law be Enforced?
At this time, enforcement has not been designated to an agency.
Summary
This is actually great for Maui, for the ocean and hopefully continues to set a good example for other governments that want to protect their precious resources. It will be awesome to watch the reefs and sea life begin to thrive near shore again.
