COM 0972.002 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mackenzie Rose Buckner July 17, 2006 Age: 13 Grade: Going into 8 s P.O. Box 392 Holualoa, HI 96725 Phone # Cell: (808) 443-7875 Home: (808) 322-4171 Email: kuuleilokel12@hotmail.com My name is Mackenzie Buckner of Kailua-Kona, HI and I fully support the banning of the use of tobacco products at/in Kahalu'u Beach Park. I have lived in Kona all of my life and I like to go down to Kahalu'u Beach Park for snorkeling, surfing, and picnics and such. I can see why it is a hot spot for tourists. But, whenever I go, no matter what time of day, I always step on and/or see cigarette filters lying on the sand. Sometimes I am even unfortunate enough to be around a smoker, who is usually unaware of the hazard he/she is causing to people around him/her and the damage they are causing to the ocean and its dwellers. It takes an average of 7 years for cigarettes to degrade with a range from 1.5 years - 15 years. During those 7 years, while the filter is degrading, the waves are washing the filters into the ocean. While in the water, it gets soaked and all of the nasty chemicals come out, such as arsenic, lead, chromium and formaldehyde. Those chemicals are toxic to fish, crustaceans, zooplankton, marine mammals, and much more, including the reefs. In all, I wish that the use of all tobacco products should be banned from Kahalu'u Beach Park. I wish that because second hand smoke is almost as bad as smoking a cigarette yourself and it is disgusting to be around a smoker while at the beach. I would also like to add that, like I said, it hurts ocean dwelling animals and land animals, such as crabs, alike. Thank you for reading this have a nice day.