COM 0942.102 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Murashige, Laura From: Olga Geling [geling@hawaii.edu] Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 12:31 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 Hawai?i County Council Relating To Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places Council hearing: March 12, 2008 Last month, I offered testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of Bill 224, which would prohibit using tobacco products at all Hawai'i County parks and beaches. I continue to WHOLEHEARTEDLY support this effort. I?m sure that everyone knows, smoking is hazardous to our health. Two years ago our State passed a smoke-free law covering all workplaces in Hawai'i. However, smoking is still permitted in nearly all parks and beach parks within the State, including the Big Island. Our kamali?i continue to be exposed to the hazards of secondhand smoke. My family and I use Big Island parks regularly. Unfortunately, tobacco litter, mostly cigarettes butts, are all over the place. It is unsightly, unclean and potentially hazardous to very small children who pick up the butts and put them into their mouth, not to mention the environment. All our children and families deserve a clean and healthy place to enjoy outdoor activities. I again strongly urge the Council to vote yes to pass Bill 224 in its current form. It is the responsibility of local governments to protect the health and well being of its citizens. Last year, Kahalu?u Beach Park in Kona went smoke free, ler?s do the same for the rest of the Island. Passing Bill 224, will make visiting all our parks and beaches more enjoyable. I know my family will appreciate it, as will the thousands of visitors who come to our Island each year. Sincerely, Olga Geling, Honolulu Olga Geling 1960 East-West Road Bio-Med D-104 Honolulu, HI 96822 956-0929 cNcc ccu 0 (DO co 1