HONOLULU -- Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed into law a ban on sunscreens that contain two chemicals believed to be harmful to coral reefs.
Sunscreen containing the two chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate will only be available to those with a prescription. Others will have to buy sunscreens without these chemicals or bring their own sunscreen with them to Hawaii.
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"This is just one small step toward protecting and restoring the resiliency of Hawaii's reefs," Ige said at a signing ceremony for the bill, which takes effect in 2021.
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Hawaii is the first state to enact this ban, which aims to protect a vital part of the ocean's ecosystem. Coral reefs are also a popular draw for tourists.
However, critics say there is not enough evidence to support the claim that the chemicals are bad for coral reefs.
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The group Retail Merchants of Hawaii said it's concerned the ban will discourage people from buying sunscreen at brick and mortar stores.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.