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Hawaii Smoke Free:: Frequently Asked Questions Page 1 of 2 live, work, breathe You are here: Hawaii Smoke-Free Home > Hawaii Smoke-Free/Frequently Asked Questions Home Frequently Asked Questions The Law File a Complaint Implementation of the Smoke-Free Hawaii Law, Nov. 16, 2006 (American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout) FAQ What is the intent of the Smoke-Free Hawaii law? Business Center Hawaii now has a fair and consistent smoke-free law that protects all workers in enclosed - Benefits workplaces. Until this law was passed, smoke-free ordinances varied from county to county. Entire groups of workers were left unprotected from the danger of secondhand smoke. - Toolkit The law is designed to protect the health and wellbeing of the public, including employees, who - Bars/ Restaurants do not want to be subjected to secondhand smoke. It is not a ban. Smokers may still purchase and use smoke-producing tobacco products in areas other than those designated as smoke-free Signage under the law. Compliance Help What is the impact of the law on our community? Helping People Quit The costs of smoking to public health and our economy are substantial. This Is not a simple social behavior issue-there are immediate, acute health dangers, as well as potential long-term consequences such as respiratory Illnesses, heart disease and various types of cancer. Employees who work in smoke-free environments are sick less often. There is mounting evidence that instituting smoke-free workplaces dramatically improves the respiratory health of workers. For example, a study of bartenders in California showed rapid Improvement in respiratory health, both through self-reporting and medical tests of lung function. Hawaii is the fourteenth state to pass a smoke-free law, joining not just a national trend, but a movement sweeping the globe as cities, counties, states, provinces and entire countries become smoke-free. Who supported the passage of the Smoke-Free Hawai'i law? The passage of this law is in direct response to what the overwhelming majority of Hawaii voters asked for. Lawmakers listened to the voice of the people and passed this bill. The Senate voted 22-3 In favor and the House of Representatives voted 47-4 in favor of the law. • A voter poll conducted in fall 2005 showed overwhelming support - 85% - for this type of law. This statistic includes smokers. • 93% of Hawaii voters believe workers should be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke and that restaurants and bars would be healthier for customers and employees if they were smoke- free. 91% believe the laws and protection should be consistent statewide. There is little business opposition. In fact, there is a growing trend for businesses to adopt smoke-free policies. Growing customer demand and increased costs for healthcare and building maintenance fueled these decisions. How will the law affect me? If you are a smoker, now is a great time to consider quitting. Resources such as the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW, are available to help you determine the best way to break the habit. An increase in the number of quit attempts is expected as November 16, 2006 (American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout) draws near. Resources, such as the Hawal'i Tobacco Quitline, are available for those who need information and assistance to quit. If smokers light up where smoking is prohibited, they could be fined $50 plus $25 for court costs. http://www.hawaiismokefree.com/faq.html 1/28/2008