COM 0942.130 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Jeremy Davison, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Jeremy Davison and I am a member of REAL. REAL is a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224 and commend the County Council for moving this visionary measure forward in its current form. I want Hawaii County to be a clean and healthy place for my family and I to enjoy. Bill 224 will protect my right to breathe clean air at all County of Hawaii parks, beaches and recreational facilities. I am in support of this Bill passing because I very much dislike tobacco smoke. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, we continue to be exposed to the hazards of second-hand smoke in public places. Second- hand smoke is a Class-A carcinogen - same as asbestos - there are no safe levels of exposure. Last year, Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona went smoke-free let's do the same for the rest of the island. Passing Bill 224 will make visiting all County parks and beaches a more pleasurable experience. In conclusion I am in support of Bill 224 because I want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. It is the responsibility off the government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying our parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Jeremy Davison P.O. Box 232 Pahoa Hi 96778