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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> February 20, 2008 <br /> <br /> TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> FR: Juan Moncada, Chair, Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition <br /> <br /> RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224, <br /> Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii <br /> First Reading, Public Hearing on Thursday, February 21, 2008 <br /> Aloha, County Council members. On February 5, 2008, the Hawaii County Council <br /> demonstrated visionary leadership for the entire state, and the nation, by advancing Bill <br /> 224 out of the Parks and Recreation Committee. By doing so, the county is much closer <br /> in protecting the public in over 131 parks and beaches from the harmful effects of <br /> secondhand smoke and tobacco waste. The children, elderly, and families who frequent <br /> these community parks and beaches are the most vulnerable. The public and our <br /> communities would not be protected by unrealistic half measures such as designated <br /> smoking areas. <br /> <br /> The most common objection you will hear is the right to enjoy smoking as "rights issue" <br /> but it is not. For when an adult elects a harmful lifestyle; that adult has no right to involve <br /> innocent children and others. It is in fact a health and quality of life issue. Bill 224 is <br /> about aloha for everyone not just a few. <br /> Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer in the United States and in the State <br /> of Hawaii, where approximately 440 residents die of lung cancer every year. <br /> <br /> I am proud that our Hawaii County Council has chosen to protect all the public from the <br /> illnesses caused by secondhand smoke. Our beautiful island can begin to reverse child <br /> illness and improve the long-term health of our families while promoting cleaner and <br /> more beautiful parks and beaches. <br /> Malaho Council Members for their forward thinking and compassionate leadership. I <br /> respectfully request that you continue to show the bold leadership that is a hallmark of <br /> this island and please pass Bill 224 as is. <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Juan Moncada <br /> Chair, Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition <br /> Vision 2015 Volunteer Ambassador, the American Cancer Society <br />