Hawaii Senate Bill SB840

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Summary

SB 840 would direct the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to expand the use of mineral-based, non-chemical sunscreen dispensers to all state beaches in Hawaiʻi. The bill is framed as an environmental protection measure aimed at reducing chemical exposure to coral reefs while still providing beachgoers with sunscreen access that helps protect against skin cancer. It also authorizes DLNR to contract or partner with private parties, including hotels, community organizations, and nonprofit environmental groups, to help maintain, manage, operate, and publicize the dispensers. The bill appropriates $100,000 in each of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 from general revenues for installation, maintenance, management, and operation of the dispensers at state beaches. In practical terms, it would expand a pilot or early deployment model already referenced in the bill’s findings and create a statewide program for sunscreen dispenser placement and upkeep at state beach facilities.

Impact

SB 840 would amend state operations by giving DLNR express authority to work with private and nonprofit partners on sunscreen dispenser maintenance and outreach, and by dedicating state funds for a statewide dispenser program. It would not create a new regulatory ban, but it would expand the state’s existing coral-reef protection approach by promoting mineral-based sunscreen access at all state beaches and supporting related infrastructure through appropriations.

Sentiment

The bill appears generally supportive of reef protection and public access to reef-safe sunscreen, with the findings emphasizing both environmental benefits and convenience for residents and visitors. The context provided shows no recorded votes or committee testimony, but the bill’s referral and re-referral suggest it remained under committee consideration rather than advancing cleanly. Overall, the measure is presented as a practical environmental initiative rather than a controversial policy shift.

Contention

The main point of contention identified in the bill text is the balance between stronger coral reef protections and concerns about the availability of approved sunscreen products on island, which previously slowed efforts to expand chemical bans. The bill attempts to avoid that conflict by focusing on providing mineral-based alternatives rather than imposing additional prohibitions. Any debate is likely to center on cost, implementation logistics, and whether statewide dispenser deployment is the best use of public funds, though no committee transcript or vote record is provided here to show specific objections.