HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.185 2002-2004 ~
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6-16-03
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TO: Members of the Hawaii County Council
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FROM: Paul W Mann, Director -Hawaii Restaurant Association
Owner -The Komer Pock Baz & Grill
. Papazoni's Pizza & Pasta
RE: Bi11260 Draft 4,Relating to Smoking in Certain Places in Hawaii County
The restaurant industry has always been responsive to the desires of the public and its
employees whenever safety and /or health-related issues came before it. Not withstanding
current statuary requirements, we are adamantly opposed to the enactment of Bi11260 or
any legislation, which further restricts our right to conduct our business as we deem, fit.
The restaurant industry does not encourage people to engage in the act of using tobacco.
We do however feel, people should have a choice. Six years ago only 3% of the food and
beverage outlets were "Non Smoking". Today, prior to the recent restrictions imposed by
the other counties, this number had grown to more than 20%, indicating the industry's
willingness to accommodate the public's wishes.
This legislation is wrong. It is not about smoking and whether "Second Hand" smoke
causes cancer, heart disease or simply exacerbates a current condition. It is about the
erosion of our rights. That right being CHOICE.
We have known criminals walking free among us because someotte violated their rights
during the arrest process. The Supreme Court had determined their rights were more
important than the need to prosecute the crime. In the past few years we have lost several
rights, once held to be sacred, to the wishes of the well-intended do-gooders.
The restaurant industry is constantly being pressured to comply with an endless list of
Dos and Don'ts. We aze required to be the police department for the IRS, OSHA. and the
Dept. of Labor. We are open to felonious lawsuits of every description and we are
presently being blamed because some lazy kid who plays video games all day is getting
fat. This week it is a smoking issue. What will it be next week. Should we be preparing to
have our customers sign a "Hold Harmless Agreement" in the event someone is allergic
to another's perfume or cologne? A smoke free environment in public places is one thing,
but to mandate this discipline to a private business, such as ours, is quite another.
~o~ No. 13.15 `
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Ref. Dote
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I suppose one can find a study that will support just about any cause. I have seen reports
on various studies that indicate second hand smoke causes this and that, and I have read
other reports indicating the opposite. I am of the conclusion that these studies are biased
and of questionable scientific basis. This issue is one that is "Politically Correct" and we
are not of our own mind but rather a bunch of "Sheeple" conforming to this wave of bad
government with good intentions.
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If this council is to represent the People's Choice then take the stand to protect the
choices of the people and allow the people to choose. They will do this with their wallets.
The rights of the business community are also at stake and are partially your
responsibility as well. This right should be protected and our ability to create our own
destiny should be ours.
Yours
Paul W. Mann
POBox84
Kealakekua, Hi. 96750
Ph. (808) 322-2994
Fax. (808) 324-4627