HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.099 2006-2008
Hawaii County Council
333 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 February 8, 2008
Dear Chairman Hoffman and Council Members,
I write in opposition to Bill 224 which would ban smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products at all
county parks. I am sorry that I was not able to offer this testimony prior to the committee meeting earlier
this week that first took up this bill.
Personally I have never smoked but both my parents were smokers.
I believe that you are not fully considering the addictive nature of smoking when you propose a bill like
this one with good intentions. Those who have been smoking for many years are well aware of the
detrimental effects that come from smoking. And are also well aware of the annoyance and possible ill
effects on others of their tobacco smoke. My personal experience is that smokers in general have
become quite sensitive to others' need for clean, fresh air. Although I am sure there are exceptions.
However, I believe it is undeniable that many smokers are unable to quit their habit. Not for lack of
wanting to quit. You would be doing a great disservice to many such people by denying them smoking
privileges in all county parks.
One example that I know first-hand is Kamehameha Park in North Kohala. This park is a central place
for much of our community. Youth sports activities are ongoing year round, like Pop Warner football and
soccer play and youth baseball and softball training and play. Many of the parents come to watch their
children participate. If they had to drive away to get a smoke it would be a shame. Similarly, on the
senior's softball team (where I participate) a number of our players do smoke, and will be hurt by the
proposed ban. We often meet for club business and for socializing immediately after our practices and
after our games.
I certainly don't know how things will work out in the future if you pass this blanket ban. But it seems
reasonable to me that the police might be put in an unfortunate dilemma. Smokers might be vigilant for
the arrival of police yet continue to smoke otherwise. Then if the police see smoking from a distance
they might come over and find all cigarettes long gone and have to give a verbal warning. This would
make them seem annoying and insensitive in a small community.
Can't you have the Parks and Recreation Department make speck rules (like limited smoking areas) in
those parks where there is clearly a problem with some inconsiderate smokers? Please don't overreact
with such a widespread ban within all our county facilities.
Sincerely,
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