HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.118 2002-2004
06/17/2003 14:45 8089355583 HTALLP PAGE 01
June 17,2003 RFC" i`JEG
TO' Council Chairman James Y, Arakaki and
Members of the Hawaii County Council ' 03 JUN 17 PIS 2 4'f
FR: Tara Nakano COUfv (,;i_EI?F,
COUNTY ; iF HAWAII
RE: SUPPORT FOR BILL 260 DRAFT 3 (without cxctnptions)
Relating to Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii
My name is Tara Nakano, and I am writing in support of Bill 260, Draft 3 (protecting ALL
workers, without exemptions) -Relating to Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii.
I won't bother with facts and statisncs, since you probably heard them over and over through
other testimonials, but rather my personal thoughts on banning smoking in public places. Asa 20-
su~aetiting year old, going to bars, restaurants or nightclubs in Hilo, is what my friends and i do to
socialize in fun, high-energy environments. But due to the extreme amount of smoke m enclosed
areas I've been frequenting bars and nightclubs less. However, since Cronies has gone smoke-
free, Inoticed adifference in where we like to hang-out. It's much morn pleasant and enjoyable
while eating & drinking where we are not inhaling cigarette smoke with every breath.
As anon-smoker I feel that smokers should be more considerate of their ill-habit.
Imagine before entering a room you can smell cigarette smoke. When you enter, everything is
hazy and you can barely see. And once you arc In the room, the smoke is attracted to you like
metals are to magnets.
My friends and I don't like to frequent places such as Minna's Lounge and Anna's Lounge,
because of the amount of smoke in there. 1 could ba in there far less than five minutes and end up
spending the rest of the weekend trying to get the cigarette smoke smell out from my hair and
skin. Because of this, going out on a weeknight is not ideal since I would have to go to work
reeking of cigarette smokc~vcn though you don't smoke.
Most smokers don't mind going outside of the room building to smoke. At least they wouldn't
have to strain their necks blowing smoke as far away From you as possible in their attempts to be
"considerate" smokers. And it's probably healthier for them since they wouldn't be able to sit
there and chain smoke, but once every thirty minutes excuse themselves and go outside. All
cn+nkers know it's a bad habit and contributes to premature death.
Please accept this as written testimony in support of Bill 260. Draft 3, and protect all workers and
patrons -including bars and nightclubs. Thank you far your consideration.
Sincerely,
7~ aii/.'
Tara Nakano
P.O. Box 223
Mt. Vices, HI 96771
968-G944 (unlisted)
Comm. No.
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