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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> DATE: March 10, 2008 <br /> <br /> TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> FR: Alohilani Adachi-Jose, REAL member <br /> <br /> RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224 (in its current form) <br /> Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawai'i <br /> Second Reading, Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 <br /> <br /> My name is Alohilani Adachi-Jose and I am a member of REAL. REAL is a statewide <br /> youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224 and <br /> commend the County Council for moving this visionary measure forward in its current <br /> form. I want Hawaii County to be a clean and healthy place for my family and I to enjoy. <br /> Bill 224 will protect my right to breathe clean air at all County of Hawaii parks, <br /> beaches and recreational facilities. <br /> <br /> I am in support of this Bill passing because second hand smoke kills. Despite progress <br /> made in successfully legislating indoor tobacco smoke in workplaces, we continue to be <br /> exposed to the hazards of second-hand smoke in public places. Second-hand smoke is a <br /> Class-A carcinogen - same as asbestos - there are no safe levels of exposure. Outdoor <br /> tobacco smoke has been declared a toxic air pollutant by the California EPA. Scientists <br /> have tested the toxicity of outdoor tobacco smoke and have concluded that it is as <br /> harmful as indoor second-hand smoke, especially for asthmatic children and adults and <br /> those suffering from COPD, like emphysema. These individuals put themselves in harms <br /> way every time they visit a public place, and get a whiff of tobacco smoke. <br /> <br /> Last year, Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona went smoke-free let's do the same for the rest of <br /> the island. Passing Bill 224 will make visiting all County parks and beaches a more <br /> pleasurable experience. <br /> <br /> In conclusion I am in support of Bill 224 because I really want everyone to be able to <br /> breathe clean air, without second hand smoke harming our health. Second hand smoke it <br /> a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be protected <br /> wherever, possible, including while enjoying Hawaii's parks and beaches. It is the <br /> responsibility of government to protect the public's health, including while enjoying <br /> Hawai'i's parks and beaches. Clean air is my right, and it must be protected. Pass Bill <br /> 224 in its current form. <br /> <br /> Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Alohilani Adachi-Jose <br /> P.O. Box 34 Honomu Hi 96728 <br />