HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1210.030 2004-2006
Ja cco-rr°ee
December 19, 2006
TO: HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
Chairman Hoffman, Vice-Chair Pilago, and Councilmembers
RE: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 365
Relating To Smoking In Certain Places In The County Of Hawai' i
Council Hearing Dec. 20, 2006
My name is Tracie Yoshimoto, Coalition Coordinator of Tobacco-Free Big Island, and I
strongly support Bill 365, which would prohibit smoking at Kahalu'u Beach Park.
Tobacco-Free Big Island is a community coalition of organizations, agencies and
individuals dedicate to eliminating the toll of tobacco in East Hawaii and across the State.
Cigarette butts pose not only an environmental hazard for our natural surroundings,
wildlife and children, in addition, secondhand smoke, even outdoors, causes health harms
to those with pre-exisitng medical conditions such as asthma. A known class A
carcinogen (same as asbestos), there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke is a known health hazard. The public's health should be protected
wherever possible, including while enjoying Kahalu'u Beach Park.
I would encourage the Council to look further into eliminating smoking in all public
parks and beaches. The council should also consider bringing Ordinance 3112 in
alignment with the statewide law, 328J, Hawaii Revised Statute.
Please accept this as written testimony in support of this bill. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Tracie Yoshimoto
East Hawaii Coordinator
Comm. No. I X/0
Ref. To: !c
Ref. Daite D ~ 2 0 2006
Our Mission: "To provide tools to inspire all segments of our diverse
community to eliminate tobacco use and exposure in East Hawai'i."