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Bullriding At The Blaisdell More Pleasant Without The Smoke

By: Beth Hillyer

NEIL BLAISDELL CENTER (KHNL)- Hawaii's new smoking ban is having a big impact on big sporting events this weekend since it is now illegal to smoke in both enclosed and semi-enclosed public spaces. 

At the Neil Blaisdell Center, rodeo fans were watching the dangerous sport of bullriding and for the first time, no danger of second hand smoke.

The gates open and the bull goes wild. Fans hold their breath and the cowboy manages to stay on for the eight second limit. The bulls packed with attitude pranced before a huge crowd at the Neil Blaisdell Center. Other than the dust kicked up by the bulls, this arena is smoke free.

Fans at the show said they are enjoying the rodeo more because of the ban on smoking.

"I enjoy the rodeo way more not breathing someone else's smoke.  I love it.  I think the new law is fantastic," said Suzy Stewart, a bullriding fan.

"I'm okay with that. I'm a cancer survivor. That's why I'm wearing pink. It helps protect people so they can breathe clean air," said Lorie Patch.

There were a lot of families in the stands and they say they appreciate the fact that second hand smoke is not a threat for the little cowpokes.

Fans who did want to smoke seemed to have obeyed the 20 foot limit from the arena entrances.