HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.257 2002-2004
Jul 01 03 D7: 54a Rab Puri 808-329-9544 p.l
TESTIMONY ON SMOKING BILL 260
COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING IN HILO
WEDNESDAY. JULY 2. 2003 RE('' ` ~
'03 JUL 1 A~1 8 y
Please stop politicizing the issue of smoking. It is a health issue affecting every human being on tA~
planet. Smoking has been proven beyond doubt by medical authorities and rer~ers t~p~f
extremely hazardous to a smoker and equally hazardous to people who aretq ~~rd
smoke.
I am a reformed smoker. I know how addictive the habit can be, and how d~cult R is to give up
smoking. That not withstanding, if smokers knowingly want to continue poisoning their bodies and
imperiling their health, it is a choice. However, by contaminating the air and imperiling the health of
others is an inexcusable and indefensible crime.
Realize ~i,at on our own Island we have strong evidence that smoking bans are popular and
they are working in restaurants and bars. On Sunday, June 29 Kona Brewery placed a paid
announcement in the West Hawaii Today newspaper proudly advertising that this famous
eatery in West Hawaii had banned smoking on its premises indoors and outdoors, three
months ago. Two thirds of the restaurant has outdoor seating. The smoking ban is very
successful and the clientele has actually increased since the smoking ban was enforced.
Parker Ranch Grill has been smoke free in its restaurant and bar since last December. Its
General Manager reports in WHT on July 1 that its customer base and revenues have grown
during those months.
Please do not be influenced by our Mayor's advocacy to exempt taverns, or to remove the 15 foot
outdoor restriction because it cannot be enforced. Our Mayor is a well intentioned non smoking and
law abiding citizen of our Island. However, his concerns in this case are misplaced, and they do not
represent the best interests of our citizens and visitors. The Bill you are considering contains no
provisions that do not exist in many bans on the Mainland, and that have been successfully enforced
for many years. Please show courage and do what is right. Strengthen your resolve, and do not water
down the provisions of this critical legislation. You know that banning smoking with the strongest
possible legislation is morally and ethically correct Now realize that the silent majority is
behind you, and therefore it politically correct, despite the few vociferous banner carrying
objectors.
Please pass a comprehensive ordinance, which in no uncertain terms disallows smoking indoors, and
outdoors where non-smokers can be affected by second hand smoke. It is irrelevant whether or not
we have the manpower and resources today to enforce the law. We have speed limits, which
are exceeded and violated by hundreds each day because our few enforcers cannot catch
every violation, Yet we have the speed limits, and we rightfully have not eliminated them
because we cannot have 100°~ enforcement.
There are many Asian countries---including China, Japan, and Korea where smoking seems to be a
way of life. Even these countries acknowledge the hazards of smoking and second hand smoke.
Their Airports and their public transport systems are smoke free. They also rely on modern
technology to exhaust smoke with powerful fans where second hand smoke might harm others. On
our Island, our small businesses vying to retain smoking on their premises just do not have the
investment potential to install these smoke exhaust systems.
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.lul O1 03 07:54a Rab Puri BOB-329-9544 p.2
We are very proud to be an Island that announces a healthy environment to its residents and its
visitors. With the absence of industrial pollution, lesser vehicle exhaust, trade winds cleansing the
atmosphere and our climate, we need to take the next and final step. Anon-smoking law will
advertise to the world that we support a healthy lifestyle for all who live and visit the Big Island.
Respectfully submitt d,
~ ~l
Rab Puri
75-349 Melelina Place
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
808-327-9373
email: rab.lynn@verizon.net
Itab S Puri Page 2 7/l/2003