HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0732.016 2008-2010Murashige, Laura
From: George.Massengale @cancer.org
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2010 1'14 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi us
Cc: carlo.mireles @cancer.org
Subject: Testimony Bill 216
Attachments: BIII216_Hawaii County_smoking_vehicles_April 7.doc
George Massengale 1 Director of Government Relations I Hawaii Pacific, Inc.
2370 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817 1 cancer.org
808 432.9149 mobile 808.351.6045
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4/6/2010
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April 5, 2010
Hawai'i County Council
J Yoshimoto — Chair
Emily I. Naeole- Beason — Vice Chair
Hearing: Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 9:00 A.M.
Location: Hawaii County Council Chambers — Hilo
Re: Bill 216 — Relating to Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places
Testimony in Support
Chair Yoshimoto, Vice Chair Naeole- Beason, and members of the County Council. On behalf of the
American Cancer Society we 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 Health Organization have found that the
level of tobacco smoke inside a vehicle is still hazardous even under most - favorable conditions 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 keiki, while at the same time, setting a
new standard for the rest of the counties and the state to follow.
We strongly urge the Committee to pass this bill.
Respectfully,
George S. Massengale, J.D.
Director of Government Relations
American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific, Inc.. 2370 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu. Hawaii 96817 -1714
•Phone: (808) 595 -7500 •Fax: (808) 595 -7502 •24 - Hour Cancer Info: (800) 227 -2345 •http: / /www.cancer.org