HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0942.125 2006-2008
Murashige, Laura
From: mark Olson [blissland@turquoise.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 12:09 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 224
Hawai?i County Council
Relating To Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places Council hearing: March 12, 2008
Last month, I strongly supported Bill 224, which would prohibit using tobacco products at
all Hawaii County parks and beaches. I continue to support this effort.
Everyone knows that smoking is considered an environmental toxin, like mercury or lead.
Two years ago our State passed a smoke-free law covering all workplaces in Hawai'i.
However, smoking is still permitted in nearly all parks and beach parks within the State,
including the Big Island. Our kamali?i continue to be exposed to the hazards of
secondhand smoke. It only takes one smoker at a beach to ruin the experience for everyone
else, and I often choose not to go to a beach park because I know that I'll be surrounded
by tobacco smoke wherever I go.
I use Big Island parks regularly and I am very discouraged by the amount of tobacco
litter, mostly cigarettes butts, scattered around. It is unsightly, unclean and
potentially hazardous to very small children who pick up the butts and put them into their
mouth.
All our children and families deserve a clean and healthy place to enjoy outdoor
activities.
I again strongly urge the Council to vote yes to pass Bill 224 in its current form. It is
the responsibility of local governments to protect the health and well being of its
citizens. Last year, Kahalu?u Beach Park in Kona went smoke free, let?s do the same for
the rest of the Island. Passing Bill 224, will make visiting ail our parks and beaches
more enjoyable. I know my family will appreciate it, as will the thousands of visitors who
come to our Island each year.
Sincerely,
mark Olson
PO Box 782
Pahoa, HI 96778
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