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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Murashige, Laura <br /> <br /> From: mark Olson [blissland@turquoise.net] <br /> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 12:09 AM <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> Subject: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 <br /> <br /> Hawai?i County Council <br /> Relating To Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places Council hearing: March 12, 2008 <br /> Last month, I strongly supported Bill 224, which would prohibit using tobacco products at <br /> all Hawaii County parks and beaches. I continue to support this effort. <br /> Everyone knows that smoking is considered an environmental toxin, like mercury or lead. <br /> Two years ago our State passed a smoke-free law covering all workplaces in Hawai'i. <br /> However, smoking is still permitted in nearly all parks and beach parks within the State, <br /> including the Big Island. Our kamali?i continue to be exposed to the hazards of <br /> secondhand smoke. It only takes one smoker at a beach to ruin the experience for everyone <br /> else, and I often choose not to go to a beach park because I know that I'll be surrounded <br /> by tobacco smoke wherever I go. <br /> I use Big Island parks regularly and I am very discouraged by the amount of tobacco <br /> litter, mostly cigarettes butts, scattered around. It is unsightly, unclean and <br /> potentially hazardous to very small children who pick up the butts and put them into their <br /> mouth. <br /> All our children and families deserve a clean and healthy place to enjoy outdoor <br /> activities. <br /> I again strongly urge the Council to vote yes to pass Bill 224 in its current form. It is <br /> the responsibility of local governments to protect the health and well being of its <br /> citizens. 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 ail our parks and beaches <br /> more enjoyable. I know my family will appreciate it, as will the thousands of visitors who <br /> come to our Island each year. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> mark Olson <br /> PO Box 782 <br /> Pahoa, HI 96778 <br /> N <br /> O <br /> 4 <br /> m <br /> 00 <br /> 0 <br /> I-T~--i <br /> Go <br /> L.i <br /> > . <br /> y7 f fJ <br /> <br /> <br /> Gomm. No. Z ~1 <br /> Ref. To. -0r ~NGa <br /> Ref. Dote MAR, _ 12 2008 <br /> I <br />