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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Precedents for Smokg,-Free Beaches and Parks <br /> In addition to Haunama Bay on Oahu and Kahalu'u Beach in Kona, hundreds of municipalities <br /> across the country and around the world, including California, Chicago, New Jersey, Japan, <br /> Australia and Spain have passed similar legislation enabling citizens to enjoy smoke-free <br /> outdoor parks and beaches. The California Clean Air Project reports that aside from installation <br /> of signage, there is little cost involved with implementing outdoor smoke-free ordinances for <br /> beaches. Compliance is high once people become informed and accustomed to the new <br /> protection. <br /> Enclosed are some informational resources relating to second-hand smoke, policy <br /> recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), studies on outdoor tobacco smoke <br /> and other areas around the world that have passed similar legislation. <br /> <br /> Riahts and Freedoms <br /> Some opponents of Bill 224 have mistakenly couched the issue in terms of smokers' rights. <br /> Discussion of rights and freedoms can be quite emotional for most of us. We are blessed to <br /> have many guaranteed rights in this country, including the right to bear arms and the right to <br /> free speech. Yet we also regulate aspects of these rights for protection of the community. We <br /> regulate the discharge of firearms downtown, and we regulate malicious speech such as <br /> slander and libel. The American Civil Liberties Union has issued a statement that there is no <br /> constitutional right to smoke, and we do not infringe upon an adult smoker's legal rights by <br /> restricting smoking in public areas. Those who exercise their freedom to smoke do not have an <br /> inalienable right to inflict this choice upon the majority of others who made a different decision, <br /> particularly children. <br /> Partnership with the Community <br /> Tobacco Free Big Island is prepared to help with public education through a media campaign to <br /> inform the public about the benefits and expectations of the new law. We are available to <br /> provide referral resources for smoking cessation to all those who would like to quit smoking. <br /> We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further and answer questions you might <br /> have. You may contact us at: 896-1670. <br /> A Lasting Legacy <br /> We know, Mayor Kim that you care deeply about the people of the Big Island. You have <br /> dedicated your professional life to public protection and public service. We also know that you <br /> care deeply about public health, particularly since you have designated our health care crisis as <br /> a top priority for your final year as our mayor by focusing attention on resources, doctors, <br /> equipment and funding. Please also consider positive legislation designed to help reduce and <br /> prevent the tide of serious illness. We urge you as our champion to provide a lasting legacy of <br /> health to the people of this island by supporting Bill 224 in its current (original) form if passed by <br /> the Council. Please consider it as a part of your healthcare crisis priority and sign it into law. <br /> S' rely, <br /> <br /> <br /> n Moncada, Chairman <br /> ZJ11acco_ land <br /> Fre e Big Is <br /> d <br /> enclosures <br /> Cc: County Council Members, Patricia Engelhard, Director Parks & Recreation Division <br /> <br /> Our Mission. 'To provide tools to inspire all segments of our diverse community to eliminate tobacco use and exposure in East Hawai'i." <br /> Page 2 or 2 <br />