HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0746.064 2000-2002
Hui lam to a "O i i
Native Hawaiian t-f66Mwm System -_l'sland of Hawaii
311 Kalaniana'ole Ave., Milo, HI 96720
November 25, 2002
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TESTIMONY
To lh~ # waii County Council
Public ;blearing regarding smokJug In the workplace
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
King Kamehameba's Kona Beach Hotel
My name is Nagai Rothfus and I am a non-smoker. I work as a nutritionist at Hui
Malama Ola Na 'Oiwi, one of the 5 Native Hawaiian Healtb Care Systems. We have
offices in Kilo, Waimea, Kona, Kohala, Ka'u and Pahoa.
Our smoking policy is that no smoking is allowed within 100 feet of the office
building. This was mainly set for occupational safety requirements. Not everyone
complies with this policy; often clients who are unaware of our policy smoke right in
front of the entrance to our office.
We know that cigarette smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer. What is
even graver is the growing number of well-conducted studies, which have shown that
second-hand smoke, may be linked to lung cancer deaths in NON-SMOKING adults.
Should we not be taking measures to protect our children, as well?
Creating smoke--free environments at our workplaces is good business- It is good
for employers, it is good for employees, it is good for our clients.
As a public health worker and a staunch advocate for the prevention of chronic
diseases, including cancer, I am asking for the Hawaii County Council's support in
passing an ordinance which prohibits smoking in public places, including workplaces;
and not only inside a building, but also, in open areas in front of doorways or walkways.
As public servants, I hope you take second-hand smoke seriously. I do.
Mahalo nui loa,
Nani Rothfus, MPH, RD
11 Nanea Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 i'o = 1~os a
Ph. 934-8188 File No,
Re,
Ref. Date
Hilo Pahoa Na'alehu Captain Cook Waimea Kapa'au
969-9220 965-3004 919-9700 323-3618 8850489 889-1709
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