HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0078.000 2006-2008
From: Tax To: Hawaii County Couneil Date: 1/1/107 'nme: 15:36:01 Page t of 1
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FIAWAII ISLAND ;1qq 0 FS~ r2 ~
TOBACCO-FREE PARTNERSHIP, ELI~i ~ u ~
WEST HAWAII - -
PO Box 385203, Waikoloa, HI 96738 UQ~~'+` t - ~
TO: HAWAI'ICOUNTYCOUNCIL
RE: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 365
Relating To Smoking In Certain Places In The County Of Hawai i
Council Meeting January 4, 2007
January 3, 2007
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 Hawal'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. Comp-lance 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.
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