HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0732.022 2008-2010Murashige, Laura
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Mahalo!
4/6/2010
CDNtl4t. 732
leimomi [leimomi @huimalamahawaii.com]
Monday, April 05, 2010 10:02 AM
counciltestimony @co hawaii hi.us
Bill 216 Smoking In Cars
Attachments: Smoking In Cars.doc
L et w - In&She,arer
Cancer Program Manager
Hui Malama Ola Na 'Oiwi
69 -A Railroad Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Ph: (808) 969 -9220 Fax: (808) 961 -4794
'leimomi @huimalamahawaii.com
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,-Uplifting the Nation
I Malama Ola N6 'Oiwi
- 'Naiive'Hmranan Health Care System
OARD DIRECTORS
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Your Native Hawaiian partner
in healthy living!
March 31, 2010
Aloha,
My name is Leimomi Shearer and I am a Tobacco Cessation
Specialist for Hui Malama Ola Na 'Oiwi, the Native Hawaiian
Health Care System for Hawai'i Island. I come before you to testify
in support of Bill 216.
I have experience working with Native Hawaiians who are
struggling in trying to be free of their tobacco dependence. Studies
have shown that tobacco dependency is an addiction. Webster
defines addiction as "...a compulsive physiological need for a habit
forming drug." An addict defines addiction as the most important
thing in his/her life. Addictions are non discriminatory and affect us
all.
In 2003, I came before you to testify in favor of smoke -free
workplaces. I told you a story of how when I was in school, I
smoked in the bathrooms and I remember watching "Asian" girls
come in and try to use the bathroom that was filled with smoke. Till
this day, I forever regret my part in exposing them to second -hand
smoke.
I also spoke about smoking in my car, windows rolled up, while my
four children were held hostage in their seatbelts. I did not know
then, what I know now. I did not know that my behavior could
cause them irreparable harm. I did not know that my addiction to
tobacco could put them at risk.
Today, although we are more aware of cause and effect; more
aware of how one's behavior affects another, more "educated"
about the harms and risks of tobacco, it is still an addiction. It is
still a compulsive physiological need for a drug. It is still the most
important thing to an addict
How can we as a society make rules for smoke free work places to
protect those who work? To protect non smoking adults? How can
we not support Bill 216, to protect our keiki. Are our children still
held hostage in their seat belts?
I supported a persons right to breathe clean air. I support our
children's right to be as healthy as possible, to breathe clean air. I
support Bill 216.
Mah
eimomi Shearer
Cancer Program Manager /Tobacco Cessation Specialist
Hui Malama Ola Na 'Oiwi
Native Hawaiian Health Care, Hawai'i Island