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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.130 2006-2008 Bill 224 Comm. 942.130 Attached are 37 similar letters in support of Bill 224, Comm. 942, which bans smoking of cigarettes or tobacco products, or use of any tobacco products at all County parks and recreational facilities. 1. Alohilani Adachi-Jose 26. Savannah Mariani 2. Loren Amaral 27. Alana Masuoka 3. Bryson Areola 28. America Padasdao 4. Aulii 29. Jennifer Ramelb 5. Jayson Cordero 30. Tiffany Ramos 6. Russell Cummins 31. Melissa Rapoza 7. Jermy Davison 32. Terrance Rapoza 8. Eilese Delarosa 33. Trey Saunders 9. Zaysha Desha 34. Aysha Soares 10. Alyssa Doctor 35. Arieal Villanueva 11. Siuleo Enos 36. Rodney Wilbur 12. Anela Granito-Wallace 37. Heidi Yoma 13. Brandon Hauoli 14. Keikilani Holloway 15. Erin Horttor 16. Gabrielle Horttor 17. Alana Jardine 18. Hina Joaquin 19. Leilani Kelekoma 20. Lupe Koniseti 21. Jaeline Lee 22. Anela Liva 23. Devin Liva 24. Dolores Maderia 25. Shayla Ma-e C*Mn No. Ref. To: Pn Ref. Dose MAC _ DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Alohilani Adachi-Jose, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Alohilani Adachi-Jose 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 second hand smoke kills. 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. Outdoor tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, Alohilani Adachi-Jose P.O. Box 34 Honomu Hi 96728 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:40 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@eo.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; taco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 Testimony Attachments: Alohilani Adachi-Jose -expo.doc Thankyou ti 0 80 It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 7 ~o r- , r„ f t s 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Loren Amaral, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai' i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Loren Amaral; I am with the Keaau Youth Business Center and 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 the littering from cigarettes ruins our beaches. My dad use to smoke, but when I was bom he quit because he did not want to contribute second hand smoke to me, and didn't want me around smoking. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Loren Amaral P.O. Box 562 Volcano Hi 96785 Page I of I Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:01 PM To: counci!testimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Loren Amaral-KYBC.doc thank you 0 0 O L") ~ Its Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. ~ r tT 4 O can w 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Bryson Arcola, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL 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 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 a high school student who attends Keaau Youth Business Center, and a member of REAL, a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I attend our beaches and parks often with my family and friends. This measure will also reduce toxic litter, and send the message that tobacco use is not the norm in our community, so we stop sending keiki mixed messages about tobacco use. Children and families deserve clean, healthy places to enjoy outdoor activities. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. I don't like smoking at the beaches because of all the littering it is very gross. If the little kids who attend the beach put it in their mouths it can hurt them. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Bryson Areola HCR 2 Box 6009 Keaau HI 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:50 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Bryson Areola-KYBC.doc thank you o a 3 n C 0 ~ M t-+ r' o It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money Finance, T Fri C 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Aulii: REAL, Boys and Girls Club 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 Auld I am a youth who attends the Boys and Girls Club as well as REAL. REAL is a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 strongly support this bill because I love the go to the beach and parks, but I hate smelling stink smoke from cigarettes. I take all of my baby cousins to the park and the beach and I don't want them to start smoking, just because of one person who they had seen smoking at the park and/or beach. The park is for people to hangout and enjoy having fun, but they aren't able to fully enjoy themselves if they can't breathe due to the cigarette smoke. I DON"T LIKE WHEN PEOPLE SMOKE WERE US AS KIDS WANT TO HANG OUT AND HAVE FUN!!!! 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. I support this Bill 224 because I love the beach. I love to breathe clean air. I do not want my younger family members to see the images of older people smoking. I want to be able to enjoy the beaches and parks without having to smell all the stink second hand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying Hawai'i`s parks and beaches. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Aulii P.O. Box 948 Keaau, HI 96749 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Jayson Cordero, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL 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 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 a high school student who attends Keaau Youth Business Center and a member of REAL; a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I attend our beaches and parks regularly. I am in support of this bill because when people are done smoking they just drop their rubbish and butts all on the ground, making places dirty for other individuals. Families don't enjoy it as much because it is all dirty. This measure will also reduce toxic litter, and send the message that tobacco use is not the norm in our community, so we stop sending keiki mixed messages about tobacco use. Children and families deserve clean, healthy places to enjoy outdoor activities. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Jayson Cordero HCR2 16-1332 Pahoa Hwy Keaau Hi 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:55 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us, kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.u co enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.l =3 Subject: Bill 224 testimony CO M-1 Z Attachments: Jayson Cordero-KYBC.doc o thank you C-" ca ca It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Russell Cummins Keaau High School Peer education Coordinator 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 Russell Cummins I am a Peer education Coordinator for Keaau High School, and I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 support this Bill 224, because of the numerous negative affects that it has produced onto our County of Hawai'i. The peer education program at Keaau High School advocates for making healthy choices, this is one of our healthy choices by preserving our air quality. While using Richardson's Beach Park in Hilo, I stepped on a cigarette butt that burned my feet leaving me with 2"d degree burns and a blister. My Uncle Frank died from emphysema caused by a lifetime of smoking cigarettes. He would frequently take his nieces and nephews to the beach and expose us to harmful second hand smoke. In a single day our peer education program students collected about a''/2 gallon full of cigarettes, cigarette packs, and its waste that comes with it, such as books, lighter, cigars, etc. I have observed elementary age children finding cigarettes on the ground and putting it in their mouth. Either to act "cool" or to eat it, any way you look at it it's horrific. 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,M11 make visiting all County parks and beaches a more pleasurable experience. In conclusion I support Bill 224 to continue my efforts of advocating healthy choices, by preserving our air quality. I want to have our beaches free from the litter of cigarettes and any associates to that product, which could result in injury to individuals and inhabitants alike. Having family members become affected by the harmful affects that tobacco has to the health of individuals. I do not want to continue to allow our children to be in danger of being exposed to second hand smoke, as well as dealing with the idea of an image that tobacco is the ideal thing to do. The Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Russell Cummins HCR-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 (808) 966-6822 wooz brown@hotmail.com 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 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:59 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Jeremy Davison- expo.doc thank you o t~ °p 00 zC Z1 Its Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. r1a ,Y 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Eilese Delarosa, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Eilese Delarosa 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 my dad smokes all the time and the smoke makes me sick. Some people are really rude and smoke by you even if you're holding a baby. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Eilese Delarosa 462 Kaumana Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:52 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Eilese Delarosa-expo.doc thank you o a ~ r It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. M 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Zaysha Desha, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai' i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Zaysha Desha 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 smoking and its chemicals are not good for our environment. Outdoor tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. I hate what tobacco does to our environment. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Zaysha Desha 15-2691 Lalakea St. Pahoa Hi 96778 f Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:41 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 Testimony Attachments: Alyssa Doctor.doc Thankyou o t'~ m 0 if7~ - r It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. z`-n fT? 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Alyssa Doctor, REAL RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Alyssa Doctor and I am a youth member of REAL. REAL is a statewide movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 attend our County beaches and parks regularly with my friends and family. I hate the smell of someone smoking. I feel like it is burning my entire nose. I hate the disgusting odor that adheres to my clothing, hair, and skin causing damage to myself. It is very bad for our environment; all the litter and chemical damage our beautiful earth. The animals and sea life eat all the litter and it is deadly to their health. It is also valuable money that is being spent to clean after all the individuals who choose to use our land and beaches as their ashtray. 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 hate to smell second hand smoke not only the risk of damaging effects to everyone's health, it stinks. The environment and its inhabitants are in danger. The money that is being spent to clean up the littered beaches and parks as well as help to save these animals could be used to effectively, if people weren't allowed to ruin our beaches. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying Hawai'i`s parks and beaches. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Alyssa Doctor P.O. Box 2227 Pahoa Hi 96778 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Siuleo Enos, 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 Siuleo Enos 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 when I go to the beach I want to be able to enjoy my time their without having to worry about someone influencing my siblings with their bad choices and making them think smoking is cool. It also makes the beaches look so ugly with all the litter in the sand looking like one big ashtray. This measure will also reduce toxic litter, and send the message that tobacco use is not the norm in our community, so we stop sending keiki mixed messages about tobacco use. Children and families deserve clean, healthy places to enjoy outdoor activities. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I do not to have my impressionable developing siblings be exposed to the negativity of smoking which could allow them to believe it is cool. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Siuleo Enos RR 4 Box 2312 Pahoa HI 96778 >J March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Anela Granito-Wallace: youth with REAL and Boys and Girls Club 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 Anela Granito-Wallace and I am a youth with REAL and the Boys and Girls Club and I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 a youth that attends the Boys and Girls club. I am also a member of REAL. REAL is a youth led movement against the tobacco industry, bringing empowerment to youth. I am a frequent user of our County beaches. I hate it when my friends and I pass a group of youth or adults smoking, and then the smoke blows in our direction. Second hand smoke creates horrific affects on everyone. People do not realize that in tobacco there are 200 plus poisons and the worst of it is rat poison. Please take my statement and trust me that young teens don't want anyone smoking. We want to minimize it so that there is a smaller chance of more people dying because of this. Second hand smoke is not the only negativity, but the health of all of the people of Hawaii. 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 hate having to smell second hand smoke. I hate the poisons in cigarettes. The youth of Hawaii really want to see this Bill 224 passed. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawaiis parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Anela Granito-Wallace 2469 Kilauea Ave. Hilo, HI 96720 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Brandon Hauoli, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL 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 Brandon Hauoli; I am with the Keaau Youth Business Center and 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 Bill 224 which prohibits smoking at our beaches and parks in Hawaii. Our beaches deserve our respect and care. We also need to keep our beaches clean and healthy so that future generations can enjoy them too. Every time I go to the beach, or even to one of our many look outs near the ocean shores, I am disgusted by the amount of cigarette butts that I see on the ground. In addition to this, I have to smell and inhale toxic cigarette smoke from people who light up with no regard for others. Not only do I have to look at the awful filth that smokers leave behind, but I also have to smell and be subjected to poisonous air. Many people who smoke are unaware of the pollution that they create as well as making our pristine beaches an eyesore. Please help protect our beaches from being a huge ashtray and let me go and enjoy the ocean without having to breathe someone else's smoke. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Brandon Hauoli 15-1576 Kaloli Keaau Hi 96749 Page I of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:49 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Brandon Hauoli-KYBC.doc N O thank you c°o -,=I O~ =D r1? 0 It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. Cz GI 1 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Keikilani Holloway, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai' i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Keikilani Holloway 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 second hand smoke sucks!!! I hate smelling it. 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. Outdoor tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, Keikilani Holloway P.O. Box 1723 Keaau Hi 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:00 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Keikilani Holloway- expo.doc thank you N O O OO l'1 c`o = It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 7 2 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Erin Horttor, REAL 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 Erin Horttor I am attend our beaches and parks regularly. 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 have asthma. Smoking causes irritation in my lungs and an inability to take full breaths. 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. When I go to a park or a beach and I see people are smoking I have to leave because I can not be near the second hand smoke. We have rights to breathe clean air. Why are we constantly fighting to be able to breathe CLEAN AIR????? We need to breathe to live, should be not be able to breathe, because someone else chooses to inhale toxic? Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 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. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Erin Horttor P.O. Box 711524 Mountain View HI 96771 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Gabrielle Horttor, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Gabrielle Horttor 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 think that the littering left from smoking is gross. People leave cigarette butts all over the place. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Gabrielle Horttor P.O. Box 711524 Mountain View, Hi 96771 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:53 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us;jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us, shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Gabrielle Horttor- expo.doc a"° 0 thank you O ~ Ki C:D It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money_-?, Finance. Y' CA CO 3/10/2008 Page I of I Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us 0 Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.h kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; ` enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.LRC) Subject: Bill 224 testimony z d fin Attachments: Alana Jardine- Honokaa.doc thank you. It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 3/10/2008 WWAWAMWNWM~ March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Alana Jardine, REAL 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 Alana Jardine. I am a member of REAL the statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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. My family, friends and I love to enjoy our beaches, but it makes it difficult when people are smoking where I choose to breathe. I have bad asthma and the second hand smoke makes it worst. Little children put the remains of the cigarettes into their mouths which is toxic for them. I love to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but it is impossible when our beaches are littered with cigarettes. I want to have fun not clean after someone else's littered cigarettes. 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 Hawaii their a lot of people who suffer from asthma, we do not need more efforts in suffocating us, by allowing others to smoke up our clean air. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying Hawai i s parks and beaches. Children should be allowed to roam the beach without having to stumble upon a cigarette. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawaii s 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, Alana Jardine P.O. Box 1321 Honokaa HI 96727 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Hina Joaquin, 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 Hina Joaquin I am a member of REAL; the statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 use our beaches frequently and am disturbed to witness the harmful acts that follow those who smoke at our beaches. The cigarettes get thrown into the ocean the fish, crabs, or other sea creatures ingest the cigarette causing them to die, or worse we eat contaminated fish. Birds take the cigarette rubbish back to their nests to feed to their babies causing the baby birds to die. On one occasion while I was enjoying my day at the beach relaxing someone started smoking a cigar. The cigar was really stink and I couldn't handle the smell. Finally the person chose to extinguish the cigar and leave it on the beach. I then had to pick up this stink cigar to throw it away in the rubbish. 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. I care about our island and its inhabitants I wish to preserve its natural beauty which makes it difficult with all the cigarette related litter. The animals, sea creatures are in jeopardy by ingesting this toxic. I am suppressed by other people's bad choices, when all I want to do is breathe clean air. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. 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. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Hina Joaquin 240 Alawaena st Hilo, Hi 96720 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:54 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.usa Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Hina Hilo special committee poss.doc CC) z 4 C p thank you r~.. F7 It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Leilani Kelekoma Keaau High School peer education, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Leilani Kelekoma I am a student at Keaau High school peer education. I am also a member of REAL. REAL is a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I use our County beaches often. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit the use of tobacco products at beaches, providing a clean atmosphere at our beaches. I 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. It angers me that some individuals do not have any respect for the AINA. The smoke cigarettes, and flick their waste everywhere, that contaminate our environment and its inhabitants. Some individuals have no respect for our land, our ocean and our people. I am a beach user, and I have seen individuals flick their waste with no second thought. If someone throws butts on the ground and a baby steps on it, they could get badly injured or even worse swallow the cigarette. I am asthmatic if I am exposed to second hand smoke I need to remove myself from the area. However, I do not feel that it is fair that I have to leave because someone else is choosing to smoke. I don't feel that I should leave I am not hurting anyone with second hand smoke 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 support Bill 224 because I am tired of seeing our land being disrespected by the litter. I am tired of the animals, people, and land alike having to be subjected to the harmful effects of tobacco. It is not fair that my right to breathe clean air has not been a greater priority sooner. My health is at jeopardy and I want to have the right to breathe clean air free from second hand smoke. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, Leilani Kelekoma Hcr-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Lupe Koniseti, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai' i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Lupe Koniseti 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 would prefer if we could not smoke in general. The affects of smoking and inhaling second hand smoke is horrific. Our lives are affected everyday by smoking. Everyone has been affected negativity by smoking, whether it is a loved one has an illness, death, or other health issues. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Lupe Koniseti 16-2331 Ainaloa Dr. Pahoa, Hi 96778 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:02 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Lupe Koniseti- expo.doc thank you g C( Z-- It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. C13 t ; 1~ cn C.J 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Jaeline Lee, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Jaeline Lee 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 it is gross and stink. 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. It makes our beaches really ugly with all the litter that is all over the whole place making it look like one huge ash tray. This measure will also reduce toxic litter, and send the message that tobacco use is not the norm in our community, so we stop sending keiki mixed messages about tobacco use. Children and families deserve clean, healthy places to enjoy outdoor activities. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Jaeline Lee P.O. Box 6937 Hilo, Hi 96720 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Anela Liva- KYBC.doc thank you o C j ~ x1 It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. T p- M (ii CO y^ ~ 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Anela Liva, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL 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 Anela Liva; I am with the Keaau Youth Business Center and 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 it just makes our community and environment really ugly with all the cigarette butts everywhere. Not to mention cigarette smoking causes second hand smoke to those that don't even smoke. From my knowledge second hand smoke is far more severe than first hand. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Anela Liva P.O. Box 893 Keaau HI 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:51 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawai!.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Davin Liva Keaau.doc thank you ?7 3 CO ~ o x Q It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. ~n !'ivy " ' w LI Co 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Devin Liva: High school student from Keaau High school Peer education 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 Devin Liva, and I attend Keaau High school's peer education, and I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 a student at Keaau High School and I attend our peer education program, and REAL. REAL is a youth led movement against the tobacco industry. My family and I also attend our beaches frequently. When I am at the beach I see people smoking, and throwing all their butts on the ground. It makes me angry that they are littering our beaches. By throwing their butts it subjects a lot of things to being potentially threatened and killed. When I see a beach littered with cigarette butts, I then choose not to frequent that beach. 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 support this Bill 224 because; I do not want to see butts littering my beaches. I do not want the environment and its inhabitants to become destroyed. I want to be able to enjoy our beaches. Secondhand 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 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. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Devin Liva HCR-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Shayla Ma-e, 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 Shayla MA-e 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 forth. 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 it causes a lot of problems in the environment and it kills almost everything around us, including our loved ones. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 hate all of the problems that it causes to our environment and all its inhabitants. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Shayla Ma-e 2114 Kaumana Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:07 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us, kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Shayla Ma-e -expo.doc o a thank you Xl o rte. It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. c.o en 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Dolores Madeira, 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 Dolores Madeira 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 smoking stinks and people die from it. We are constantly being exposed to second hand 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. Outdoor tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, Dolores Maderia 66 Amauulu Rd. Apt C Hilo, Hi 96720 Page 1 of I Murashige, Laura From: Mell!Genatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:51 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; o enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.ty5us ~o c 3 Subject: Bill 224 testimony 4(7 =,y Attachments: Dolores Madeira- expo.doc Z F, rr! 0 thank you 4- r W L, It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Savannah Mariani, 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 Savannah Mariani 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 believe why would we not be protected to be able to breathe clean air? Smokers are allowed the freedom to place us in toxic harm of their bad choices. Non-smokers should have the freedom to clean air and healthy breathing. Smoking should be illegal it is a heavily addictive drug that kills like a drug and gets you addicted like a drug. I firmly believe that it is a smokers choice to damage their own lungs, but don't put others at risk. We are innocent by standers; we need to push tobacco away from others who have the right to clean air. 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 really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Savannah Mariani HCR2 Box 9536 Keaau, HI 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:06 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us;jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us N Subject: Bill 224 testimony ~°rn Attachments: Savannah Mariani-expo.doc(-) X~ Z' thank you -C 73 ITi ri C, It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. ~c 3/10/2008 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:37 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Alana Masuoka- REAL with info.doc Thankyou o 0 m i~ o~ It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. o s T; s w 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Alana Matsuoka, REAL 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 Alana Matsuoka, and I am a member of REAL; the statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 frequently attend the beach with my little sister, and other small children. I am supporting this bill especially for all the little children. I went to the park with my little sister and she had put a dirty cigarette into her mouth. I am irritated with having to clean up after all the rubbish that is left with the cigarettes. Children attend these beaches looking for fun, not to pick up a deadly product. We need to protect our young children who aren't able to protect themselves. 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. Children are very impressionable and we need to teach them that smoking is not healthy. We need to protect our environment and our children for the future of Hawaii. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. 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. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Alana Matsuoka REAL P.O. Box 2002 Honokaa, HI 96727 J DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: America Padasdao, 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 America Padasdao 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 believe we should not have smoking in beaches and parks. Second hand smoke is horrible. 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. We should be able to enjoy our beaches beautiful and clean, not littered. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, America Padasdao 1223 Keaau Hi 96749 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Jennifer Ramelb, youth, REAL 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 Jennifer Ramelb I am a member of REAL, the statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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 attend our beaches frequently and am very concerned about our environment. I don't like the fact that our beaches and parks are littered with cigarettes, wrappers from cigarettes, match books, etc. All of these conditions make areas rather unsanitary for anyone to even enjoy, much less want to swim at. Smoking also can cause some issues with global warming. I am really in support of allowing our environment a chance to breathe so that it will allow us to live. I support us being in a enjoyable place where we are not concerned that our health of clean air will be in question. 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. The environment deserves a chance to stay beautiful without all the cigarette mess. Our children and we deserve to breathe clean air, and have the opportunity to enjoy our beaches. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. You all have done such a wonderful job of allowing us to be able to breathe clean air, please continue to do so. 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. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Jennifer Ramelb P.O. Box 1283 Keaau Hi 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:58 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Jennifer Ramelb.doc thank you 0 6 C~ C.O It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. ~0 Zt z.. C= F C-0 I ~ cal N 3(10(2008 March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Tiffany Ramos Keaau high school peer education RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Tiffany Ramos I am with Keaau High schools peer education program and I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. 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 support Bill 224 because I visit our beaches often with my friends, and I am tired of seeing all the litter. I don't like to see all the cigarette butts in our ocean and on the grounds. I have asthma and I really hate having to breathe in dirty air. Second hand smoke is even deadlier for me. I have hard time breathing with people smoking around me. One time I was enjoying myself and I got a stench of second hand smoke. I was very disgusted, and it made me want to throw up. I also got a really bad headache. I had to cover my nose for about five minutes. I don't want to have to smell that ever again, so the more we can do to help preserve our air quality the easier it is for me to breathe. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's 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, Tiffany Ramos HCR-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:11 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Tiffany Ramos Keaau.doc N b thank you a") 00 Its Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. 7! C 3 - Tj M J ca U1 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Melissa Rapoza, Island Coordinator, REAL 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 Melissa Rapoza I am the Island Coordinator with REAL for this County. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. REAL is a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. We try to encourage empowerment to youth, as well as inform them how the tobacco industry uses different tactics to target people. 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 enjoy our parks and beaches frequently with my family and friends. I am a mother of three small children that are five years old and twin one year olds. The main reasons for wanting to have our beaches and parks smoke free include but are not limited to; the effects of second hand smoke, the damaging effects to our environment and its living beings, such as animals and sea creatures, the island oasis that we know and love are in jeopardy for us as lovers of our beautiful home as well as visitors. Second hand smoke is very deadly in fact it is more damaging than someone who actually smokes. Now that I have children it is not only my health that concerns me, it is my entire family. I am responsible in protecting their health and well fare as well. My family loves to enjoy our beaches, as we are having a wonderful time; all of a sudden we get a disgusting over powering smell of second hand smoke. My infant twin daughters get sick with respiratory ailments when they smell second hand smoke. The environment and its inhabitants become damaged and destroyed by the constant litter from tobacco and its products and/or accessories, such as matches, wrapping, lighters, etc. Birds take the waste from the cigarettes and build their nests with it, and even feed their babies. These animals as well as sea life are ingesting thousands of deadly chemicals. Fish may eat the butts and we in turn eat the fish causing us to ingest the thousands of deadly chemicals. The land becomes massively littered with all of the tobacco waste (butts) and its accessories (lighters etc.) Individuals have used our beaches as their ash trays. I can recall numerous events where I would build sand castles or dig into the sand with my children, and end up retrieving cigarette butts. There were events where I have caught children finding the cigarette butts and ingest them or put them (cigarettes) by there mouths and pretend to smoke. This type of behavior needs attention it is NOT ok to expose our children to images of tobacco. The tobacco industry targets our children enough we as a society as the spirit of Aloha and love should not encourage it. By allowing our innocent children who are just forming their own ideas and opinions we need to surround them with positive images. These beaches are for everyone to enjoy. I take my family to spend quality time and enjoy our beautiful island. What visitor will want to see a beautiful oasis that is covered in cigarette butts and smelling like second hand smoke? 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. Secondhand 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. In conclusion my family and yours deserve the right to breathe clean fresh air. Far beyond anyone's free rights the right to breathe fresh air is essential to live. If you can't breathe you DIE! ! ! Why are we wishing to turn the other cheek and allow second hand smoke to fatally harm everyone? The animals/sea life and environment becomes damaged, littered and killed by all the waste from tobacco and its accessories, such as, wrapping, matches, etc. Our beaches are not an ash tray it's a safe sanctuary to enjoy. Tourism is one of our heaviest incomes on our islands; they are looking for the island feel. Our County beaches and parks are selling our island oasis as our natural selling points. There is nothing natural and beautiful by a beach or park littered with cigarette butts and smelling second hand smoke. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Melissa Rapoza REAL P.O. Box 90 Kurtistown, HI 96760 March 10, 2008 To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Terrance Rapoza 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 Terrance Rapoza I live here in Hawaii County. I am a father of three small children. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I 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. My children's health and welfare is my high priority. When we visit the beach we are constantly surrounded by the litter that is left behind from tobacco and the other items associated with them, such as lighters, alcohol, etc. The environment becomes damaged as well as the animal life that inhabits our oceans. Upon swimming we had cigarette butts floating, we then left the beach. I have seen other children pick up cigarettes and try to imitate smoking, even worse put it in their mouth to eat. The health factors of that are horrible. The effects of second hand smoke that we smell are horrible. I use to be a smoker myself for a number of years, I have quit now for several years, and I no longer can handle the smell of tobacco. My family and I would not have to move away from the location that a smoker is at if they weren't allowed to smoke at the beach. My family would be allowed to enjoy the beach and not worry about the health effects. I do not want to help the tobacco industries major influence that they impose on our youth to smoke. By allowing our children to see individuals smoke in areas where they go to enjoy themselves it is telling them that it can't be that bad because others are doing it. 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. To sum it all up I am tired of breathing in second hand smoke I quit smoking for the health of my children, yet they are constantly in danger due to other peoples bad choices. Secondhand smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever possible, including while enjoying Hawai'i`s parks and beaches. I am tired of the littering that is done to our beautiful islands. The land and those who live in it want to cherish our land so that our children will be able to live in a beautiful island for years to come. It is the responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Terrance Rapoza P.O. Box 90 Kurtistown, HI 96760 i March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Trey Saunders: REAL, Keaau high school peer education RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Trey Saunders I am a member of REAL. REAL is a statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I am also a Keaau High schools peer education student and I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. 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 support Bill 224 for numerous reasons; I will tell you a few of them. I attend our County beach or park facilities with younger individuals. It is detrimental to expose them to individuals who portray that smoking is ok. We want to make this impression that smoking is not ok, it's not safe. I also hate to have to be exposed to second hand smoke. Having to breathe in the toxic air is so horrific; it lingers onto the fibers of your clothing and hair. You then take the toxins home with you. Lastly, I really do not like the image it portrays to my peers that smoking is acceptable. 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 our youth and individuals are heavily exposed subconsciously the image that smoking is acceptable. Our younger generation are being heavily influenced by either the smoker or their lasting affect on our environment; the waste. As well as the lasting affects of second hand smoke that people are exposed to from individuals who smoke in these public places. Second hand smoke it 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. r Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Trey Saunders HCR-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Aysha Scares, Keaau Youth Business Center, REAL 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 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. This measure will also reduce toxic litter, and send the message that tobacco use is not the norm in our community, so we stop sending children mixed messages about tobacco use. Children and families deserve clean, healthy places to enjoy outdoor activities. I am in support of smoke free beaches and park places, because I have a 2 year old nephew who loves to put things into his mouth. It is so hard to go to the beach to enjoy your day when you have to watch out for cigarettes on the beach. Second hand smoke is so unhealthy for anyone. Despite progress made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, our keiki 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. Outdoor tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Aysha Scares HCR 1 Box 5109 Keaau, HI 96749 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:49 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Aysha Soares-KYBC.doc thank you It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. zU ~ ~t 0 CZ f7`i -a 3/10/2008 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Arieal Villanueva, REAL member RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Arieal Villanueva 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 want to help contribute to stopping tobacco use. A lot of people in my family smoke, and a lot of keiki watch them and imitate them with lollipops. Allowing individuals to expose keiki the message that tobacco use is a norm in our community should not be allowed. We need to stop sending mixed messages, and by showing not only telling our keiki that smoking is BAD!!!! The tobacco industry heavily targets us as youth already we do not need to have more negative influences in our lives. It is our duty to protect everyone and all children from the harm that tobacco does to us all. 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 the public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. We deserve to show our keiki the right way to live, not expose them to any extra negativity. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Arieal Villanueva 11-3033 Anuhea PI Pahoa Hi 96778 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: MelliGenatt@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Bill 224 testimony Attachments: Arieal Villanueva- expo.doc N 0 0 Thank you} s r o It's Tax Time! Get tips forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. s7 ca 7 ~ 3/10/2008 March 10, 2008 To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council Fr: Rodney Wilbur: REAL, Keaau High School Peer education RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Rodney Wilbur I am a Keaau High school student in peer education. I am also a member of REAL. REAL is a youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors and wildlife. I am currently a high school student at Keaau High. I am also a member of REAL. I attend our beaches frequently with my family and especially with my friends. 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 support this Bill 224, because when I go to the beach to relax with my friends I see so many cigarette butts. The beaches are crowded with cigarette butt litter. I get disgusted when I swim in the ocean and a cigarette butt floats next to me. Our environment and its inhabitants are in jeopardy with individuals polluting our environment. A fish may eat it, we in turn in the fish that is filled with the toxins. I do not want my siblings to play in the sand and a cigarette butt is in the sand. They could then put the cigarette in their mouth pretend to smoke or even eat it. The harmful and even fatal affects that it has to our environment, and all who live here, is beyond recognition. 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 do not want to see our environment and its inhabitants to become destroyed. I am tired of seeing cigarette butts littering our beautiful island. I am disgusted with having to deal with the litter at a beautiful place where I seek peace and refuge. I do not want to eat a fish that has toxins from a cigarette. Secondhand 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 of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill 224 in its current form. Please accept this written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Rodney Wilbur HCR-2 Box 9610 Keaau, HI 96749 DATE: March 10, 2008 TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members Hawaii County Council FR: Heidi Yoma, REAL RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 My name is Heidi Yoma 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 the littering caused by smoking is atrocious. Visiting our parks, beaches and recreational facilities should be a pleasurable and safe experience for all. Discarded cigarettes and cigar butts at our parks and beaches are unsightly, unclean and particularly hazardous to small children and wildlife. A child putting a toxic cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of that experience. Cigarettes and their packaging is 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. Second hand smoke is very unhealthy for everyone. 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 hate all the littering that comes from smoking. I really want everyone to be able to breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Sincerely, Heidi Yoma P.O. Box 4082 Keaau, Hi 96749