HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.032 2002-2004
04/30/2003 14:44 8089359780 AMERICAN CANCER
PAGE 03
Donna Chalmers
HCR 3 Box 11074
Keaau, Hawaii 96749
808-966-4452 (phone & fax)
November 20, 2002
Dear County Council Members,
i am writing to express my support for the new bill relating to smoking in the workplace
(Bi11260). I have both personal and professional reasons for supporting the bill.
As a resident of the Big Island, l have been appalled when T have gone out to join friends
for celebrations. which aze held in bars. Last yeaz, when I was at a local bar the tobacco
smoke was so thick that I my eyes burned and I had to wash my hah• twice when 1 got
home. As such, I have never been back. T make it a policy to stay away from places
where smoking is allowed because of the health hazards. I also eemember the days
fifteen years ago, when I worked in an advertising agency on Oahu. My supervisors
would smoke in meetings in closed rooms with me present. I did not think it was fair to
me at the time. Nor do I think anyone who is simply trying to earn a living should be put
in that situation in the vear 2002.
As an employee of the American Cancer Society. I am awaze of Ute tremendous
.:.,.:umented health hazards posed by second hand smoke. It is responsible for about
3.000 lung cancer deaths innon-smokers each year.
I understand and can empathize with the fears of the restaurants and bars that feel this bill
will jeopardize their business. However. studies from over 80 cities and municipalities
showed going smoke free did not impact the revenues of restaurants and hotels befoxe
and after the smoke fxee ordinance went into effect. In addition, a study by Stanton A
Glantz from the University of California investigating whether the smoking ban had
harmed the bar business said, "Quite the contrary these laws appear to be good for
business."
Thank you so much for considering this bill, which wil] create healtluer workplaces for
Big Island employees.
Donna Chalmers
Camm. No. ~ 32
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04/30/2003 14:44 80893E9780 AMERICAN CANCEF' PAGE P'
From the desk of
MAERICAN
Donna Chalmers %soc~,~
- Executive Director ~k~~_~pr„k.,u,.>4,,,,,..,-S.
61a Kilaue9 Avenue Phone (808) 935.9763
hiio, Hawaii 98720 Fax (80s) 935-9780
email; dchalmer~cancsr.org