HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0732.017 2008-2010Murashige, Laura COMO . 7 &Z
From: Erin Moncada [erin.moncada @cancer org]
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 3:18 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony Supporting Bill 216
Dear Chair J Yoshimoto, Vice Chair Naeole- Beason, and Members of the Hawai'i County
Council
Re: STRONG SUPPORT for Bill 216: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14, Article 4, Section
14 -21 of the Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Prohibition
of Smoking in Certain Places (prohibits smoking in all motor vehicles if a person under 18
years of age is in the motor vehicle)
Hearing: April 7, 2010
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Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Bill 216. I am a Big Island
resident and care about our children and families' health. Bill 216 would prohibit smoking
in cars and other motor vehicles when a minor is present.
As a cancer survivor who has lost loved ones to lung and breast cancers, I know first -hand
how damaging second -hand tobacco smoke is to children.
Our children must be protected from harmful second -hand smoke. Children's bodies are still
developing and second -hand smoke exposure greatly impacts their lung development. Second-
hand smoke is still and will always be a major health threat. Second -hand smoke contains
more than 4,000 chemicals, at least 250 of which are known to be harmful and 50 of which
are carcinogenic or cancer - causing. Studies indicate that second -hand smoke in cars can
reach unhealthy levels even when windows are down and air conditioning units running. We
cannot allow our children to continue to be exposed to second -hand smoke in cars.
Our County has made great strides to protect the health of our families. The County
Council has shown strong leadership to protect the health of Hawaii Island residents from
the harms of tobacco and second -hand smoke.
Please further protect our children by prohibiting smoking in motor vehicles when a minor
is present. Please vote to support Bill 216.
Thank you for your time and the opportunity to present my testimony in support of Bill
216.
Erin Moncada
PO Box 7621
Hilo, HI 96720
808- 3335829
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