Hawaii’s ban on coral-harming sunscreens goes into effect New Year’s Day

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - With a new year comes new laws.

On New Year’s Day, Hawaii’s ban on the sale of certain suncreens goes into effect. Starting Friday, suncreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate will be illegal to sell.

Studies show the chemicals are harmful to coral reefs.

The ban does not apply to wearing them, or the sale of any cosmetic products with those chemicals.

On Oahu, a ban on plastic utensils and containers will begin after a 90-day education period, which starts Friday. The second phase of the measure bans polystyrene foam and will go into effect in 2022.

And on Kauai, disposable plastics will no longer be allowed at all county properties and facilities.

That includes bottled water, straws, cutlery and plastic bags.

Exemptions will be made for some essential items like trash bags and emergency products.