HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.037 2006-2008
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FROM F+D HOLSCHUH - 3F RANCH PHONE NO. : 7759027 Feb. 01 20108 03: cfiAfl P2
P.O. Boa 2004
Honokan, Hawaii %727
(808) 640-3181
TO: Councilman Donald Ikeda, Chair, Councilman J Yoshimoto, Vice-Chair,
and Members, Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation
FROM: Fred C. Hoischuh, M.D.
SUBJECT: Bill 224 Relating to Smoking
DATE: February S, 2008
Chair Ikeda, Vice-Chair Yoshimoto, and Members:
Thank you for allowing me to submit testimony on Bill 224, which would ban
smoking of and/or use of tobacco products at all county parks and recreationall facilities.
As a former councilmember, I was very proud to have worked on Bill 260, which dealt
with enclosed places and I supported the subsequent state lave creating a total ban where
the public is exposed to second hand smoke. As a physician for 40 years, I am all too
familiar with the agonizing consequences of primary tobacco use and second hand
smoke. Although the intent of Bill 224 is laudable, I am unable to support it at this time.
Certainly we must protect the public from outside tobacco smoke in pavilions,
while sitting on the beaches, in bleachers, etc. and we must keep tobacco products off
beaches and out of streams, ponds, and the ocean. I believe, however, that a total ban as
described in this bill will create antagonism instead of cooperation. It seems to me that
designated smoking areas in parks and outdoor recreation areas with proper disposal
receptacles might be a more reasonable approach at this time.
I would love to see tobacco use vanish from the planet, but failing that, we need
education, adult mentoring and many other pathways before such a total outdoor ban is
acceptable to the public.
Respectfully,
Fred C. Holschuh, M.D.