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<br /> <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 333 Kilauea Avenue <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 February 8, 2008 <br /> <br /> <br /> Dear Chairman Hoffman and Council Members, <br /> <br /> I write in opposition to Bill 224 which would ban smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products at all <br /> county parks. I am sorry that I was not able to offer this testimony prior to the committee meeting earlier <br /> this week that first took up this bill. <br /> <br /> Personally I have never smoked but both my parents were smokers. <br /> <br /> I believe that you are not fully considering the addictive nature of smoking when you propose a bill like <br /> this one with good intentions. Those who have been smoking for many years are well aware of the <br /> detrimental effects that come from smoking. And are also well aware of the annoyance and possible ill <br /> effects on others of their tobacco smoke. My personal experience is that smokers in general have <br /> become quite sensitive to others' need for clean, fresh air. Although I am sure there are exceptions. <br /> However, I believe it is undeniable that many smokers are unable to quit their habit. Not for lack of <br /> wanting to quit. You would be doing a great disservice to many such people by denying them smoking <br /> privileges in all county parks. <br /> <br /> One example that I know first-hand is Kamehameha Park in North Kohala. This park is a central place <br /> for much of our community. Youth sports activities are ongoing year round, like Pop Warner football and <br /> soccer play and youth baseball and softball training and play. Many of the parents come to watch their <br /> children participate. If they had to drive away to get a smoke it would be a shame. Similarly, on the <br /> senior's softball team (where I participate) a number of our players do smoke, and will be hurt by the <br /> proposed ban. We often meet for club business and for socializing immediately after our practices and <br /> after our games. <br /> I certainly don't know how things will work out in the future if you pass this blanket ban. But it seems <br /> reasonable to me that the police might be put in an unfortunate dilemma. Smokers might be vigilant for <br /> the arrival of police yet continue to smoke otherwise. Then if the police see smoking from a distance <br /> they might come over and find all cigarettes long gone and have to give a verbal warning. This would <br /> make them seem annoying and insensitive in a small community. <br /> <br /> Can't you have the Parks and Recreation Department make speck rules (like limited smoking areas) in <br /> those parks where there is clearly a problem with some inconsiderate smokers? Please don't overreact <br /> with such a widespread ban within all our county facilities. <br /> <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> N <br /> O <br /> I -,LQ JA, _n <br /> CC n m d <br /> Bill Graham Z F, iJ! <br /> Hawi - <br /> <br /> p W <br /> Comm. N0.--~!~a • 9 c::) <br /> Ref. To:+*fpe~ ( btr1G; 00 <br /> Ref. Date FEB 21 206 <br />