HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
A bill which would prohibit
smoking at certain beaches and parks in Waikiki and Ala Moana and at Sandy
Beach Park has been introduced by Honolulu City Councilmember Stanley Chang.
Bill 72 would revise current
city ordinances which only restrict smoking at the Honolulu Zoo, Hanauma Bay
Nature Preserve, Koko Crater Botanical Garden and the Waikiki Shell, except where
permitted in certain designated areas.
The beaches and parks named
in Bill 72 include:
- Duke Paoa Kahanamoku
Beach Park
- Kapiolani Beach Park
- Kapiolani Park Beach
Center
- Kapiolani Park
- Kuhio Beach Park
- Sandy Beach Park
- And the
sand areas at Ala
Moana Regional
Park
"In addition to the health
risks to smokers and risks caused by second hand smoke, cigarette butts are
still the number one cause of litter in our city and at our beaches," said
Councilmember Stanley Chang. "I introduced this measure to keep our beaches
clean and ensure that our visitors and residents are able to enjoy their
beach-going experience."
Earlier this year, the
Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii conducted a poll on Oahu
asking residents their opinion on the matter.
"According to our survey,
there is overwhelming support with 73% percent of respondents agreeing or
strongly agreeing that our beaches should be smoke-free," said Jessica
Yamauchi, Executive Director of the Coalition. "In 2008, Hawaii County
passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking at all County beaches and parks and
there continues to be strong support for this law."
Bill 72 will be introduced
for first reading on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 10:00 am at the meeting
of the full Council on the third floor of Honolulu Hale. Comments and testimony
on the Bill are welcome.
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