HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.056 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
From: Hannah Hedrick [hedrickhneca@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 7:44 PM;
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us RE(, ~
Subject: Please vote to support Bill 224.
2008 FEB 5 AM 9 23
To: Hawai?i County Council f_-
Re: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 229 COUR,
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Relating To Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places Council heari LNI"l uary 20 8
February [date], 2008
To: Hawai?i County Council
Re: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224
Relating To Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places Council hearing: February 5, 2008
My name is Hannah Hedrick; I am a member of several groups that promote cleaning up our
environment, including state and country smoke-free organizations, the Hawaii Asthma
Initiative, the Puna Community Development Plan Land Use Work Group, and the Community
Development Hui of Fern Forest.
I have actively advocated for smoke free public places on Hawaii Island for 5 years. I am
especially concerned about protecting the lungs of the most vulnerable populations,
including infants and children (particularly those with asthma) and seniors (particularly
those with tobacco-related diseases. These vulnerable populations cannot fully participate
in our "paradise" if they cannot go to County parks and beaches without risking a smoke-
related exacerbation.
Sill 224, which would prohibit using tobacco products at all County of Hawai?i parks and
beaches, is a first step toward protecting the rights of all Hawaii citizens to breathe
smoke free air.
Please amend Bill 224 to maintain the strength of our smoke-free law by extending coverage
to County parks and beaches.
Please do not allow objections, including those citing individual freedoms, to distract
you from your responsibility to promote public health and reduce exposure to the known
hazards of secondhand smoke.
While I am personally far less concerned about unsightly and unhealthy litter than I am
about a direct assault to our residents' lungs, I do urge you to consider the aesthetic
and economic impact of allowing toxic materials to pollute public space.
I commend the Council for acting in 2007 to make Kahalu'u beach park in Kona smoke free.
Please pass Bill 224 so that all County residents can reduce their risk of lung disease
and can enjoy healthy activities in the park or at the beach.
Please seriously consider this written testimony in support of Bill 224.
Sincerely,
Hannah Hedrick, Secretary
Community Development Hui of Fern Forest
Coordinator, Patient / Family Advisory Council Hannah Hedrick Coordinator, Patient /
Family Advisory Council PO Box 298
11-2338 Kokokahi
Mountain View, HI 96771
808-968-7013
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