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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> COALITION FOR A <br /> (l~`V TOBACCO-FREE HAWAII <br /> <br /> The benefits of having smoke-free outdoor facilities are many and there are no disadvantages. From <br /> <br /> a health perspective, many people suffer from various types of lung diseases, even a waft of <br /> secondhand cigarette smoke can trigger an asthma attack or exacerbate emphysema. Because <br /> <br /> of this many individuals are excluded from using big island parks or visiting beaches where there is <br /> smoking. <br /> <br /> <br /> I would also point out that there is a growing body of evidence that dispels the common <br /> <br /> misconception that smoking outdoors can be ignored because smoke plumes immediately dissipate <br /> into the environment; "Measurement of Outdoor Air Pollution From Secondhand Smoke of the <br /> <br /> UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore Catonsville) Campus, June 1, 2005. " One of the <br /> conclusions this study offered was that individuals who were downwind from a group of people <br /> <br /> smoking outside could be exposed to concentration of secondhand smoke similar to that found <br /> indoors. <br /> <br /> <br /> The Coalition also acknowledges that the litter caused by smoking is not only unsightly but can also <br /> <br /> have a negative and costly impact on the environment. According to the Ocean Conservancy, <br /> cigarette butt litter accounts for one in every five items collected during cleanups, making it the most <br /> <br /> prevalent form of litter on earth. Finally, cigarette butts are frequently ingested by seabirds, small <br /> mammals, and children, as well. <br /> <br /> <br /> I would also like to comment on an intended long term benefit that this ordinance would have on our <br /> <br /> "kamah'i". From social research, we know that children perceive what is acceptable and what they <br /> ought to do from what they understand is a normative behavior in a community. Creating smoke-free <br /> <br /> playgrounds, parks, and beaches will eventually become a norm expectation by children and others <br /> who use these facilities. <br /> <br /> <br /> The proposed ordinance, Bill 224, is an excellent measure that enhances our Smoke-Free Law. It will <br /> <br /> also create an expectation that our public outdoor recreation facilities should be smoke-free. The less <br /> children see people smoking, the less likely they will be inclined to smoke. This bill will also <br /> <br /> improve our shore environments, protect our native wildlife, and reduce litter clean-up cost. <br /> <br /> <br /> 1500 S. Beretania Street, Ste. 309 • Honolulu, HI 96826 • (808) 946-6851 phone • (808) 946-6197 fax <br />