HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.123 2002-2004 A. STEPHEN WOO. JR., M.D.
193 HALAI STREET
HILO, HAWAII 96720
June IS, 2003
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Councilman Fred Holshuh
Hawaii County Common Council 3
Hilo, HI 2';-,. ~p
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Dear Fred, c~
When you and I spoke about the smoking ordinance a few days ago, I indicated
I had some reservations about the legislation being pursued.
Though I am concerned about the dangers of smoking to the public and the
workforce, there is a problem of trying to pass laws that cure every evil in society.
The Tobacco Prevention and Control Fund had an ad in yesterday's
Tribune-Herald that offers another approach.
Ken's Pancake House states it has seen increasing business since it nolvrrtarilr
went smoke-free.
Also the ad states, "A review of almost 100 studies on the economic impact of
smoke-free policies in restaurants and bars found that they do not hurt business.....
In fact, we feel our service and business has only improved."
Wouldn't it be wiser to require only that a business advertise or publicize
whether or not it is a smoking or non-smoking facility, as Ken's did, rather than
legislate (and try to enforce) anon-smoking rule?
1 applaud Ken's Pancake House for the allowing the consumer to decide what
he or she wants. The law of supply and demand will not be denied. Another
advantage is that workers who are addicted to smoking will have the option of
working at place that allows it.
Fred, thanks for hearing me out
Sincerely,
A. Stephen Woo, Jr. M.D.
cc Chairman Arakaki
Ken's Pancake House
Comm. No. •
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