COM 0942.111 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. As a parent of a toddler, I am concerned that he, as well as other children, might find and ingest these discarded toxic cigarette butts. Cigarettes and their packaging is the number one litter item on our island. Cigarette butts are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, which is estimated to take up to 25 years to decompose on land and in the sand. It takes a cigarette butt 5 years to decompose in the ocean. Cigarette butts can pose a deadly threat to wildlife. Indigestible cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of sea turtles, fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food, swallowing harmful plastic and toxic chemicals. We need to extend protection to the wildlife on our island. In addition to Haunama Bay on Oahu and Kahalu'u Beach, many more municipalities across the country and around the world, including California, Chicago, New Jersey, Japan, Australia and Spain have passed similar legislation enabling them to enjoy smoke free outdoor parks and beaches. California Clean Air Project reports that aside from installation of signage, there is little cost involved with implementing outdoor smoke-free ordinances for beaches. Compliance is high once people become informed and accustomed to the new protection. I urge you to show progressive leadership not just in our county, but for the rest of the state and even our nation. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Yin Yan Leung 454 Awela St. Hilo, HI 96720 981-5085