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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> March 10, 2008 <br /> To: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> FR: Melissa Chong, REAL, Board 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 Hawaii <br /> Motion to Reconsider and Override Veto, Public Hearing Tuesday, April 22, 2008 <br /> <br /> My name is Melissa Chong I am a board member of REAL. REAL is a <br /> statewide youth led movement against the tobacco industry. I strongly support Bill 224, <br /> which would prohibit use of tobacco products at all County of Hawaii parks and beaches, <br /> effectively providing a clean and healthy environment for Hawaii's keiki, ohana, visitors <br /> and wildlife. I strongly support Bill 224 and commend the County Council for moving this <br /> visionary measure forward in its current form. I applaud you for showing true leadership <br /> and vision in passing Bill 224. 1 strongly urge you continue to show your leadership and <br /> override Mayor Kim's veto. I want Hawaii County to be a clean and healthy place for my <br /> family and I to enjoy. Bill 224 will protect my right to breathe clean air at all County of <br /> Hawaii parks, beaches and recreational facilities. <br /> I believe that if the beaches became smoke free less people on the Big Island would <br /> become sick from second hand smoke. Myself as well as other members of the <br /> community go to the beach to swim and enjoy the beautiful scenery, but not to have <br /> smoke blown in our faces. There would be less litter on the beaches for us as beach <br /> goers to step on. The animals that are on shore will also not get sick from eating the <br /> cigarette butts. So please pass this law to keep all beaches smoke free to keep our <br /> beautiful land clean and to keep everyone safe and healthy. <br /> Last year, Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona went smoke-free let's do the same for the rest <br /> of the island. Passing Bill 224 will make visiting all County parks and beaches a more <br /> pleasurable experience. <br /> <br /> I am concerned of the welfare of the scenery and animals that are destroyed by the <br /> effects of individuals rubbish from cigarettes. I want to be able to enjoy the beach <br /> without worrying about getting ill from the smell of second hand smoke. Secondhand <br /> smoke is a known health and environmental hazard. The public's health should be <br /> protected wherever possible, including while enjoying HawaiTs parks and beaches. <br /> Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. <br /> <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Melissa Chong <br /> 60 Oliana Street <br /> Hilo, Hi 96720 <br />