March 11, 2021 (DearOcean.org)—Here, the Reef Heroes project shares the story of a native Hawaiian’s struggle to continue her family’s place-keeping heritage in the face of profound cultural change and human environmental stressors. Growing up following in the footsteps of her kūpuna (ancestors), Cindi Punihaole learned to live in harmony with nature. Now, she listens to the cries for help from the land and seeks to heal it.
March 2, 2021 (happi.com)–Like many other categories, aside from home cleaning and hand sanitizers, 2020 was a tough year for sunscreen makers. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted summer travel plans and many consumers stayed home, following lockdown orders implemented by state governments—and that most certainly contributed to lackluster sales. According to Information Resources, Inc., sales of suntan lotion and oil in US multi-outlets for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 27, 2020 fell 8.7% to $1.17 billion, with unit sales down 12.3%.
Posted February 3, 2021 (KWXX FM)
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January 28, 2021 (West Hawaii Today)—With Hawaii’s ban on the sale of sunscreens containing two chemicals harmful to coral reef ecosystems now in effect, 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 Kahalu’u Beach Park on Saturday. The program launched following the taking effect of Hawaii’s statewide ban on the sale of sunscreens containing the active ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate.
January 25, 2021 (BigIslandNow.com)—As part of an ongoing initiative to support reef health and regrowth, two new reef-safe sunscreen dispensers have been installed at the pavilion in Kahalu‘u Beach Park. The program is made possible by the volunteer-run organization ReefTeach and a grant from Target, which will keep the dispensers up at least six months.
July 11, 2020 (West Hawaii Today)–The National Marine Fisheries Service has determined reef-building cauliflower coral around Hawaii does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
“In conclusion, P.meandrina’s demographic factors are indicative of a robust and resilient species that is better suited for responding to ongoing and projected threats than most other reef-building coral species,” the National Marine Fisheries Service stated in its 12-month finding published Monday in the federal register.
May 23, 2020 (Weat Hawaii Today)—Oxybenzone levels have dropped dramatically at Kahaluu Bay, The Kohala Center reported this week.
Between April 2018 and November [2019], oxybenzone levels dropped 93% or more at water sampling sites in the bay amid the center’s ongoing “Reef-Friendly Sun Protection” campaign to educate bay visitors about ways to protect the Kahaluu’s delicate ecosystem, including wearing protective clothing and using mineral-based sunscreens.
May 22, 2020 (Big Island Video News)—The Kohala Center says reef-friendly sunscreen initiatives have had a positive effect on water quality, but continued efforts are needed to save coral reefs.
May 21, 2020 (Big Island Now)—The Kohala Center on Thursday reported that oxybenzone levels have dropped dramatically at Hawai‘i Island’s Kahalu‘u Bay.
Thanks to tens of thousands of visitors who responded positively to The Kohala Center’s ongoing “Reef-Friendly Sun Protection” campaign, oxybenzone levels have dropped 93% or more at water sampling sites in the bay between the start of the campaign in April 2018 and November 2019.
May 9, 2020 (Big Island Video News)—The public is being asked to voluntarily refrain from swimming in the bay, particularly from May 10-16 to enhance upcoming spawning of cauliflower coral.