Laserfiche WebLink
<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: Alyssa Doctor, REAL <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 Alyssa Doctor and I am a youth member of REAL. REAL is a statewide <br /> movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would <br /> prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively <br /> providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and <br /> wildlife. <br /> <br /> I attend our County beaches and parks regularly with my friends and family. I hate the <br /> smell of someone smoking. I feel like it is burning my entire nose. I hate the disgusting <br /> odor that adheres to my clothing, hair, and skin causing damage to myself. It is very bad <br /> for our environment; all the litter and chemical damage our beautiful earth. The animals <br /> and sea life eat all the litter and it is deadly to their health. It is also valuable money that <br /> is being spent to clean after all the individuals who choose to use our land and beaches as <br /> their ashtray. <br /> <br /> Last year, Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona went smoke-free let's do the same for the rest of <br /> the island. Passing Bill 224 will make visiting all County parks and beaches a more <br /> pleasurable experience. <br /> <br /> In conclusion, I hate to smell second hand smoke not only the risk of damaging effects to <br /> everyone's health, it stinks. The environment and its inhabitants are in danger. The <br /> money that is being spent to clean up the littered beaches and parks as well as help to <br /> save these animals could be used to effectively, if people weren't allowed to ruin our <br /> beaches. 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. <br /> Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. <br /> <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Alyssa Doctor <br /> P.O. Box 2227 <br /> Pahoa, HI 96778 <br />