HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.095 2006-2008
Feb 20 2008 5:52PM CTFH (808) 946-6197
/ COALITION FOR A
TOBACCO-FREE HAWAII
Date: February20, 2008
To, Hawaii County Council, Pete Hoffmann, Chair, K. Angel Pilago, Vice Chair
Hearing Date & Time: February 21, 2008, 10:30 A.M.
..y
Ref: Bill 224
TESTIMONY IN STRONG SUPPORT C~ mj
Good morning Chair Hoffman, Vice Chair Pilago, and members Hawaii County C& it O, r r2
George Massengale. I am the Policy Director of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Fre fihwaii.: a(+t w
for once again allowing our organization to offer testimony in strong support of:Bi II 2,t4 thy: At
f
prohibit smoking in all County Parks, Beaches, and Recreational Facilities. The Ci_LW40n~z,
statewide association of non-profit organizations, businesses, and 2,000 individuals comm (,v4,
working together to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on the health of Hawadi's child) . zo c tl
and visitors. Many of our members live, work, and raise families on the Big Island.
Two years ago, the Coalition along with many partner organizations including Tobacco-Fr- : 13.
Island & the Hawaii Island Tobacco-Free Partnership-West Hawaii, undertook a campaign t n; k e
all workplaces and public places free from the hazards of secondhand smoke. Laat year we sop] 1( t . i?
the effort to make Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kailua-Kona smoke-free, thus enhancing the ber :he
appeal to families, children and visitors.
Two weeks ago, Deborah Zysman, who testified before you, thanked the Hawai'i County ('t u.n,.;: f
taking the first-steps to make the big island's outdoor facilities smoke-free. In do: ng so it j( i as th
615 municipalities in the United States have prohibited smoking in public outdoor pis +!!S,
including parks and beaches. The benefits of having smoke-free outdoor facilities are ma l ; anc
there are no disadvantages. From a health perspective, many people suffer from various t ics
lung diseases, even a waft of secondhand cigarette smoke can trigger an asthraa attack ( r
exacerbate emphysema. Because of this many individuals are excluded from using big is 'a ui I,
;
or visiting beaches where there is smoking.
1500 S. Beretania Street, Ste. 309 • Honolulu. HI 96826 • (808) 946-6851 phone • (808) 946-6197 fax
Gomm. No, 474eA• 9S
Ref. To. G U," OZ/
Ref. Date FEB 2 7fing
Feb 20 2008 5:52PH CTFH (8081 946-6197 _
COALITION FOR A
TOBACCO - E REE HAWAII
The Coalition is aware that several environmental/conservation organizations have also si,i: i .its
testimony is support of Bill 224. According to the Ocean Conservancy, cigarette butt littel i 1 t .
for one in every five items collected during cleanups, making it the most prevalent form o it t,r cn
earth. Finally, cigarette butts are frequently ingested by seabirds, small mammals, and chili'. r -n,
well.
I would also like to reiterate a comment made by Ms. Zysman last time, on an intended lot,l., ter-1
benefit that this ordinance would have on our "kamali'f"- From social research, we know r i r
children perceive what is acceptable and what they ought to do from what they understand i i it
normative behavior in a community. Creating smoke-free playgrounds, parks, and beaches , i ill
eventually become a norm expectation by children and others who use these faci lities.
Bill 224, is an excellent measure that enhances our Smoke-Free Law. It will also create an
expectation that our public outdoor recreation facilities should be smoke-free. Tl a less chi'•c i,,n ; c
people smoking, the less likely they will be inclined to smoke. This bill will also improve at sni , t
environments, protect our native wildlife, and reduce litter clean-up cost.
Thank you for allowing me to testify before you here today.
Sincerely
George Massengal , JD
Policy Director
1500 S. Beretania Street, Ste. 309 • Honolulu, HI %826 • (809) 946-6851 phone • (808) $46-6197 fax