HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.180 2002-2004
Miles K. Leicher
73-1410 Kaloko Dr.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
cheflimes@hotmail.com
Dear Council Members, June 18, 2003
As astudent, anon-smoker, and, most importantly, a member of this community, I urge
you to approve the third draft ofthe proposed island-wide smoking ban. As 1
understand it, the more recent "fourth draft" would not ban smoking in bars and open-air
restaurants. It has been said that this new draft is "something we can live with." With all
due respect, we literally cannot live with this "partial ban" in place.
Why would we want to take a bill that would be the most comprehensive and effective in
the state, supported by many citizens at the last public hearing, in the newspaper, and
through written testimony, and drastically reduce the scope of the bill, as well as the
number people that it would be protecting? At least two of your Councilmen are from the
medical field and they feel that this bill would benefit, or at least protect, the health of
Hawaii's citizens. Their voices should definitely be heard when considering this bill.
I believe that a ban on smoking in open-air restaurants is essential to protecting restaurant
patrons and workers in the area. Hawaii is a great place for open-air restaurants -and it
shows. Allowing smoking in these restaurants would take out the backbone of the
restaurant smoking ban. Why would we want to exempt these restaurants from protection
when we all know that smoke knows no limits, indoors or out?
I also understand the frustration associated with coming up with an enforcement policy
for these bills -especially the third draft. While it may be easier to enforce a smoking
ban in a smaller number of locations, wouldn't it also be easier to enforce a seat belt law
if it were only required for Alii Drive? Then again, simply banning smoking in all
restaurants would reduce confusion on where smoking is legal, making it easier to
enforce. Just because you may not be able to catch all the law-breakers shouldn't keep
you from trying. There are still a few honest, law-abiding citizens in this county who
would follow the rules, even if they don't agree with them.
All I'm asking is that you do the right thing -protect my parents, my brother, myself, and
all of the people of Hawaii County by supporting draft three and setting an example for
others to follow.
Sincerely,
~l~
Miles Kalani Leicher
Ref. Ta ~
Ref. Dale y~~-~--~-~Q~