HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0732.007 2008-2010Murashige, Laura
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From: George Massengale @cancer org
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 10 48 AM
To: counciltestimony @co hawan hi us
Subject: Testimony on 216. Committee on Human Services & Economic Development
3/15/2010
Page 1 of 1
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Attachments: Bi11216_Hawau County_smoking_vehicles[1] doc o
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George Massengale I Director of Government Relations I Hawaii Pacific, Inc er r
2370 Nuuanu Avenue. Honolulu HI 96817 I cancer.org Ti a "r
808 432 91491 mobile 808 351 6045 S n ■ • !
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Er THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF.BIRTHDAYS' = 0 0
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Comm. No.
Ref. Toa
Ref. Dote MAR 1 6 2010)
March 14, 2010
Hawaii County Council
Committee on Human Services & Economic Development
Entity I Naeole- Beason, Chair
Dominic Yagong, Vice Chair
Hearing: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 9 (10 A.M
Location: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
Re: Bill 216 — Relating to Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places
Testimony in Support
Chair Nacolc- Beason, and Vice Chair Yagong, and members of the Committee on Human Services &
Economic Development On behalf of the American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific, 1 offer this written
testimony in support of Bill 216 which prohibits smoking in any vehicle occupied by a person less than
eighteen years of age
The American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific, Inc. is a community- based, voluntary health organization
dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing it. This includes strongly
advocating for stringent tobacco control policies on the federal, state. and county levels
We all understand the harm caused by smoking Research shows that second -hand smoke has negative
health consequences, especially for children whose bodies and lungs are still developing Smoking in a car.
unlike smoking In a house where the smoker can go outside or to another room. creates an environment of
concentrated second hand smoke much like that of a crowded bar Children who have been exposed to
second -hand smoke suffer from an increased risk of respiratory ailments. as well as. infant death syndrome
We would note for the Committee that the EPA and the World 1 teatth Organization have found that the
level of tobacco smoke inside a vehicle is still hazardous even under most- favorable condition; like puffing
with the windows down and the air conditioner running. Also, four states; Maine, California. Louisiana and
Arkansas have passed similar legislation to Bill 216. In addition. numerous cities and counties have also
passed vehicle smoking prohibitions when children are present.
Passage of Bill 216 will create additional protections for Big Island kciki, while at the same time. setting a
new standard for the rest of the counties and the state to follow. We applaud Chair Naeole- Beason for
Introducing this proactive measure.
We strongly urge the Committee to pass this bill
Respectfully,
George S. Massengale, J.U.
Director of Government Relations
American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific. Inc . 2 370 Nu'uanu Avenue. I Hawaii 9817 -1714
•Phone (808i 595 -7500 •Fay (808) 595 -7502 •24 -Hour Cancer Info (8110) 227-2345 •http //v.v. v. cancer nr_!