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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> February 1, 2008 <br /> <br /> To: Donald Ikeda, Chairperson <br /> County Council Committee Members <br /> Public Safety and Parks and Recreation Committee <br /> <br /> Fr: Terrance Rapoza <br /> <br /> RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224, <br /> Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i <br /> Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 9:30 a.m. <br /> Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation <br /> <br /> My name is Terrance Rapoza I live here in Hawaii County. I am a father of three small <br /> children. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all <br /> County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy <br /> environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. <br /> My children's health and welfare is my high priority. When we visit the beach we <br /> are constantly surrounded by the litter that is left behind from tobacco and the other items <br /> associated with them, such as lighters, alcohol, etc. The environment becomes damaged <br /> as well as the animal life that inhabits our oceans. Upon swimming we had cigarette <br /> butts floating, we then left the beach. I have seen other children pick up cigarettes and <br /> try to imitate smoking, even worse put it in their mouth to eat. The health factors of that <br /> are horrible. The effects of second hand smoke that we smell are horrible. I use to be a <br /> smoker myself for a number of years, I have quit now for several years, and I no longer <br /> can handle the smell of tobacco. My family and I would not have to move away from the <br /> location that a smoker is at if they weren't allowed to smoke at the beach. My family <br /> would be allowed to enjoy the beach and not worry about the health effects. I do not <br /> want to help the tobacco industries major influence that they impose on our youth to <br /> smoke. By allowing our children to see individuals smoke in areas where they go to <br /> enjoy themselves it is telling them that it can't be that bad because others are doing it. <br /> Last year, Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona went smoke-free let's do the same for <br /> the rest of the island. Passing Bill 224 will make visiting all County parks and beaches a <br /> more pleasurable experience. <br /> To sum it all up I am tired of breathing in second hand smoke I quit smoking for <br /> the health of my children, yet they are constantly in danger due to other peoples bad <br /> choices. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's <br /> health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying Hawai'i`s parks <br /> and beaches. I am tired of the littering that is done to our beautiful islands. The land and <br /> those who live in it want to cherish our land so that our children will be able to live in a <br /> beautiful island for years to come. <br /> Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Terrance Rapoza <br /> P.O. Box 90 Kurtistown, HI 96760 <br />