Posted on: Friday, August 17, 2001

Council takes up smoking ban again

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The City Council's latest attempt to ban smoking in Honolulu restaurants is gathering some momentum, but it's unclear whether it will survive where similar proposals have failed.

Councilman John Henry Felix introduced the proposed ban this week, which would exempt bars, nightclubs and parts of restaurants separate from the dining areas.

Felix, who represents East Honolulu, said he is pushing the ban again because of the clear link between cigarette smoke and lung cancer and the impact of second-hand smoke on restaurant workers and children.

"I think it's time as I near the end of my term to do the right thing," he said.

The City Council passed a bill that partially banned restaurant smoking in 1995. It was vetoed by Mayor Jeremy Harris, who said it would amount to over-regulation of individual choice.

Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura said the city should stay out of what is a business decision for restaurants. He said restaurants are free to set their own policies, including establishing no-smoking areas.

"I think that there's nothing wrong with a business deciding to ban smoking in their restaurant," he said. "It's something that government should stay out of."

Yoshimura said he thinks the bill will be a contentious, emotionally laden issue on the council, especially as members head into an election year. After dealing with the issue twice in the past six years — once when it was vetoed and again when it died in committee — Yoshimura said the Council should move on.

"Where is the problem?" Yoshimura said. "I agree second-hand smoke is bad, but which restaurants are abusers?"

But Felix said he's cautiously optimistic the time is right for a change. "People will be running for election," he said. "I think they have to account for where they stand on issues like this."

Patrick McCain, president of the Hawai'i Restaurant Association, opposes the ban and believes it would discourage some visitors from coming to Honolulu.

"Most visitor destinations try to be a fun place and accommodate their customers," McCain said. "I think we do have to consider our customers."

He noted the frequent criticism of the state as unfriendly to business and over-regulated. "Maybe we need to be a little more business friendly," McCain said.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i has yet to take a position on the new proposal, according to president Stanley Hong.

Even Steve Holmes, a Council member who has long opposed smoking, said he is doubtful the latest measure can find support. "I suspect the votes are not there," Holmes said. "Obviously, I would be pleased to be proven wrong."