HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.080 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
From: Juan Moncada [moncadaj001@hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:07 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: phoffmann@co.hawaii.hi.us, kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.hawaii.hi.us;
flaco@co.hawaii.hi.us, enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; shiga@co.hawaii.hi.us;
jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Re: Written Testimony for County Bill 224
Attachments: February 21 Testimony.doc
Aloha and thank you for accepting this Written Testimony in support of County Bill 224.
Sincerely,
Juan Moncada
Chair, Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition
Vision 2015 Volunteer Ambassador, the American Cancer Society
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Ref. Date 2008
2/20/2008
February 20, 2008
TO: Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann & Council Members
Hawaii County Council
FR: Juan Moncada, Chair, Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition
RE: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224,
Relating To Smoking in Certain Places in the County of Hawaii
First Reading, Public Hearing on Thursday, February 21, 2008
Aloha, County Council members. On February 5, 2008, the Hawaii County Council
demonstrated visionary leadership for the entire state, and the nation, by advancing Bill
224 out of the Parks and Recreation Committee. By doing so, the county is much closer
in protecting the public in over 131 parks and beaches from the harmful effects of
secondhand smoke and tobacco waste. The children, elderly, and families who frequent
these community parks and beaches are the most vulnerable. The public and our
communities would not be protected by unrealistic half measures such as designated
smoking areas.
The most common objection you will hear is the right to enjoy smoking as "rights issue"
but it is not. For when an adult elects a harmful lifestyle; that adult has no right to involve
innocent children and others. It is in fact a health and quality of life issue. Bill 224 is
about aloha for everyone not just a few.
Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer in the United States and in the State
of Hawaii, where approximately 440 residents die of lung cancer every year.
I am proud that our Hawaii County Council has chosen to protect all the public from the
illnesses caused by secondhand smoke. Our beautiful island can begin to reverse child
illness and improve the long-term health of our families while promoting cleaner and
more beautiful parks and beaches.
Malaho Council Members for their forward thinking and compassionate leadership. I
respectfully request that you continue to show the bold leadership that is a hallmark of
this island and please pass Bill 224 as is.
Sincerely,
Juan Moncada
Chair, Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition
Vision 2015 Volunteer Ambassador, the American Cancer Society