HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.059 2002-2004
FROM TRRCIE Y. FAX N0. 808 965 0556 May. 04 2003 11:11PM P2
J YOSHIMOTO
P. O. Box 2265
Pahoa, HI 96778
Email: j mx6(u~yahoo.com
Phone:808-965-0663
May 4, 2003
Re: Bi11260 Draft 2 -Relating to Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii
Dear Councilmcmbers of the Human Services and Economic Development Cotrunittee:
Fred C. Holschuh, M.D., Chairman
I am writing in support of Bill 260. As currently written, the Bill provides a level playing
field for all businesses. Since the prohibition of smoking is complete, there will be no
business having an advantage over another. It is my understanding bars may believe they
will suffer a loss in revenues if this $ill is passed. My suggestion is to have the council
pass the Bill as written and review it six months later to give the Bars or any other
business an opportunity to provide input as to how the smoking issue has affected them.
No one wants the bars to go out of business. Since the smoking ban applies equally to all
bars,l believe bars' revenues may increase because non-smokers will feel free to go to
bars now.
Regarding the penalties, I believe the $25 fine is too low, because violators may not
respect this amount. Instead, the fine should start at $50 where the amount will send a
clear message that violations will not be taken lightly. Furthermore, a higher fine amount
will provide incentive for the County to collect on the fines. The idea behind setting the
fine amount is to deter violations. People should not oppose a higher fine amount
because they should not be violating the law anyway. It's not like you can accidentally
smoke in a prohibited place since the ban applies to all workplaces including restaurants
and bars.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your taking the time to consider
this written testimony.
~rPn, truly yours,
J YOSHIMOTO
Comm. No: ~ ~Sq
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Ref. Uate MAY fi 2
FROM TRACIE Y. FAX N0. 808 965 0556 May. 04 2003 11: 10PM PI
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Date: MdY 4, 2003
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Fax number: 961-8912
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Fax number: 808 965-0556
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TOTAL PAGES, INCLUDING COVER: Z
Comments:
Aloha,
Please see the attached written testimony and submit to the Human Services and Economic
Development, for the following: ~
I
Bill 260 Draft 2
Relating to Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii ~
~ PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
1:30 p.m.
Hawaii County Council Chambers
Hilo
Mahalol
J Yoshimoto
D.O. Box 2265, Cahoa, HI %778 Phone: 808-965-0663 Fax: 808-%5-0556 Email Lmx6@yahoo.com