Posted on 05/04/2006 6:36:27 AM PDT by SheLion
HONOLULU -- Hawaii lawmakers have approved one of the strictest smoking bans in the country. The bill prohibits smoking in almost every public space.
The governor is expected to approve the bill. She is a former smoker herself and has always been openly in favor of legislation to encourage smokers to give it up and to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke.
The bill prohibits smoking in all public places including: bars, restaurants -- even open air restaurants -- office buildings and any place workers would be affected by smoke.
"I think this is a huge step forward for public health in Hawaii and we are just ecstatic now that all workers in the state will be afforded a state smoke-free workplace," said Deborah Zysman, of Tobacco Free Hawaii.
About the only place you would be able to smoke would be your car, on your bike or in your home.
The airport now has designated smoking places, but under the bill the entire airport would be off limits to smokers.
Smokers would have to smoke at least 20 feet away from the entrance to any business or office.
The fines for violation would be $50 for smokers and up to $500 for businesses.
Smokers seemed resigned to the new stricter ban.
"Even though I am a smoker I think the writing is on the wall for all of us smokers that it is time to give it up," Jim Cook said.
"I don't think it is really a bad thing because there are a lot of people, elderly, a lot of people who can't handle cigarette smoke it affects," Yvonne Lindley said.
Nonsmokers said they feel freer knowing bars and office entrances will be smoke free.
"I am really happy about it. I have been a nonsmoker since 2000. I hope this makes other people want to stop smoking," Jeanette Simons said.
The new smoking ban is scheduled to go into effect on Nov. 16.
I find the homeless people all over Waikiki far more offemsive than cigarette smoking.
They all hang out at a park on Kalakaua Ave.
It's ridiculous banning smoking in opem-air restaurants.
I'm tying a different approach, also. I will never vote for a letter beside a name again. Both parties are the ultimate in corruption.
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