HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1210.021 2004-2006
TO: HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
RE: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 365
Relating To Smoking In Certain Places In The County Of Hawaii
Council meeting Dec. 20, 2006
Cigarettes are the most littered item in the United States making up more than 30
percent of what is picked up by volunteers during beach cleanups. Cigarette butts are
composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, which is estimated to take up to 25
years to decompose on land and in the sand. It takes a cigarette butt 5 years to
decompose in the ocean. Cigarette butts can pose a deadly threat to wildlife.
Indigestible cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of sea turtles, fish, birds,
whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food, swallowing harmful
plastic and toxic chemicals.
Kahalu'u Beach is one of Hawai' i Island's most popular beaches. Some travel sources
state that snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park is the best in all of the state of Hawaii.
Kahalu'u Beach Park is visited by local families and tourists alike, who come to enjoy
clean water, fresh air, and fun. Breathing dangerous secondhand smoke (a known class
A carcinogen) from a nearby smoker's cigarette or having your child put a discarded
cigarette butt into their mouth should not be part of the experience.
Many California communities are already enjoying smoke free beaches: Laguna Beach,
Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Manhattan Beach, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Venice
Beach, Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles's 13 miles
of smoke free beaches. California Clean Air Project reports that aside from installation
of signage, there is little cost involved with implementing outdoor smoke-free
ordinances for beaches. Compliance is high once people become informed and
accustomed to the new protection.
Hanauma Bay on Oahu is smoke-free, as are other beaches in places such as Sydney,
Australia and Spain. With the Council's help, we can join places that provide for a
healthier environment and pollution prevention.
Thank you for considering my testimony in support of Bill 365.
Chris Dein-Gaughen
Hawaii Island Tobacco-Free Partnership
Comm. No. 12.10.2j
Ref. To.
Ref. Date Me-
.45 2556