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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Name: Sarah Crawford <br /> Age: 13 <br /> Grade: 9 <br /> I want to give my input with respect to a potential ban on smoking at Kahalu'u Beach in Kailua- <br /> Kona. <br /> There is no question that smoking is unhealthful, both for the smoker and for those who breathe <br /> the second hand smoke. Why would tourists want to visit a beach where the person next to them <br /> is smoking? Smoke travels in an area with about a 20 feet radius, depending on wind, so it <br /> doesn't help much to be out of doors. Four smokers could effectively foul most of the oceanfront <br /> land at Kahalu'u. <br /> Also, cigarette butts make up a large percentage of trash found at beaches. Why would tourists <br /> want to go to trashy beaches? We are economically dependent on tourists in Kona, and one of <br /> the main attractions of Kona is its beaches. If the beach is covered in trash, many people will <br /> simply not want to go to the beach. My class once visited Kahalu'u and picked up two thousand <br /> butts. There have even been calls to US poison centers about children eating tobacco products. <br /> It's disgusting to go to a beach, and be sitting in the midst of smokers and cigarette butts. We are <br /> economically dependent on tourists in Kona, and one of the main attractions of Kona is its <br /> beaches. If the beach is covered in trash, many people will simply not want to go to the beach. <br /> Beaches both in Hawaii and California have banned smoking. It makes sense for health and for <br /> business. <br /> Also, take into consideration the fact that the chemicals contained in cigarette butts are toxic to <br /> marine animals - not just fish, but shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans, as well as worms, and <br /> echinoderms like star fish and sea urchins. All of these creatures can be found at <br /> Kahalu'u. These creatures contribute to the environment at Kahalu'u, and, if permanently <br /> harmed, would change the ecological make-up of the ocean cycle of life. <br /> I urge that you approve a ban on smoking at Kahalu'u Beach, for the visitors, locals, and for the <br /> animals. Thank you for your time and consideration. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Sarah Crawford <br />