Bill would ban Capitol smoking

Advertiser Staff

Stress from the legislative session may not be a good enough excuse to smoke at the State Capitol anymore. A bunch of lawmakers in the House want to kick the habit from the building.

The bill, introduced by House Majority Floor Leader Marilyn Lee and signed by a dozen other lawmakers, would prohibit smoking in the Capitol, including open-air hallways and lanai. The House Legislative Management Committee passed the bill yesterday, sending it to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee for consideration.

Lee, a registered nurse, spoke about the negative effects of cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke. She also said she wants to set an example for both adults and children who visit the Capitol.

"As the symbol of our state government, the State Capitol deserves better," said Lee, D-38th (Waipi'o, Mililani). "Children come to the State Capitol to see how legislation is made and also see smokers lounging on the benches and on the rails."

Rep. Jim Rath, R-6th (N. Kona, S. Kohala), one of the few lawmakers who smoke, said he thinks such legislation is unreasonable.

"In the open areas it's fine," he said shortly after finishing a cigarette along the third-floor railing.