As director of the
Kahalu’u Bay Education Center (KBEC), Punihaole is applying childhood lessons she learned by teaching thousands of tourists how to exist in harmony with nature while enjoying its beauty. These lessons have inspired ongoing programs at KBEC such as the ReefTeach program, Citizen Science initiatives, and the Reef-Friendly Sunscreen program.
Punihaole was instrumental in educating the public and providing testimony leading up to the state passing a law banning the harmful sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. She continues this mission by helping people understand the damaging effects of avobenzone and octocrylene as the state considers a bill banning these two petrochemicals.
Big Island Native Named Reef Hero b97hawaii.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from b97hawaii.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
January 27, 2021 |
Environment
The Hawaii s ban on the sale of sunscreens containing two chemicals harmful to coral reef ecosystems is now in effect.
As a result, a popular snorkeling spot on Hawaii Island is providing beachgoers with easy access to a sunscreen option that s kinder to marine life - and possibly their own health.
The Kohala Center, in partnership with Raw Elements USA and Target, launched a public reef-friendly sunscreen dispenser program at Kahaluu Beach Park on January 23, 2021.
The program launches as Hawaii s statewide ban takes effect on the sale of sunscreens containing the active ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Hawaii was the first in the world to issue such a ban, prompting many governments around the globe to follow suit.