HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0746.061 2000-2002
November 24, 2002
TO JAMES ARAKAKI, CHAIRMAN, HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
FROMOrNAKAMICH
518 KUKUAU STREET
HILO, HAWAII 96720
PHONE: 935-7775
SUBJECT BILL NO. 260: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE
HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
SMOKING IN CERTAIN PLACES IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
This written testimony is submitted in support of Bill Number 260, prohibiting the
smoking of tobacco or any other plant in certain areas of the County.
It is well documented that smoking and second hand smoke are a detriment to ones
health. Each year, thousands of deaths are attributed to smoking and it is reported that
second-hand smoke may be responsible for approximately 3000 lung cancer deaths in
nonsmoking adults, with an additional 35,000 to 40,000 cases of heart disease in
nonsmokers.
The nonsmoking residents of the County of Hawaii, from infants to the elderly, should
not be exposed to these health hazards. We have all experienced this deadly disease, if
not us as an individual, but through friends, co-workers, or loved ones. Within the past
month, four of my very close friends and one relative, were diagnosed with cancer. They
may not all have been diagnosed with cancer due to smoking, nonetheless, they are
victims.
We do not need to expose innocent others, should they be employees, guests, customers
or patrons, to this deadly disease. Thank you for taking time to review my testimony and
I look forward to a favorable outcome, the beginning of a tobacco free environment.
mm. Noe
File No,
Ref. To
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