HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0013.268 2002-2004
OB/27i 09 FRI 15:58 FAR 8089599101 CIA CTAHR CES-HILO ®00]
June 26, 2003
i u: Council Chairman James Y. Arekaki !I~~AU
Council Members '03 JUN 27 P
FROM: Deborah Ward, County Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Develop t ~ 3 55
~~'iJr~ i?~~i.N:
RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN . UPPORT OF BILL 280, Draft 8 COUNTY c IF HgWAI!
Relating To Smoking In Certain Places In The County Of Hawai i
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
My name is Deborah Ward. I work as a County Extension Agent to 4-H Youth
Development at the University of Hawaii, end I strongly support BII1260 without
exemptions, which would effectively prohibit smoking in all workplaces, recognizing the
importance of providing a safe working environment for all employees.
The 4-H youth progrem is the largest youth organization in the world, and therefore the
largest upcoming workforce. The 4H program stands strongly behind the position taken
by young people across tna country to support healthy choices, reduce risk, and avoid
addictive behaviors.
Please help young people create a healthy workplace in which to begin their careers.
Young people often start working in food service so that they can attend Gasses or
r,~llege during the day. Working in a smoky environment puts young people in harm's
way at a vulnerable time in their lives. With you help today, we can change that scenario.
Please ban smoking in all work places so your children and grendchiidren can work
safely in Gean air.
I can personally attest to the problem of working in a smoky environment ! teamed I had
cancer of the head and neGc when I was just 47 years old, and was told I had little
chance to see my 50'" birthday. The cancer I have is common to smokers and people
exposed to second hand smoke, and although I am not a smoker, 1 have worked during
my College years in a smoky environment. I have survived my cancer, but everyday I live
with the changes it made in my life, and dally I think of the friends I have lost to cancer.
Your decision can help the next generation live a longer and healthier life.
Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. Thank you in advance for
your consideration. Please contact me If you have any questions.
Sincerely,
,~*~~~a
Deborah Ward
County Extension Agent
875 Komohana St.
HI 96720
959-9155
email: dwardLa7hawali.edu
II
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