honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Friday, September 27, 2002

Tougher smoking bill urged for Kaua'i

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The Kaua'i County Council sent its proposed restaurant smoking ban back for more work in committee yesterday, as the panel debates whether to exempt small businesses and outdoor dining locations.

The bill would ban smoking in restaurants and in most enclosed public places.

Some council members are seeking even stronger language, to also ban it in outdoor dining areas, bars and all business establishments.

State Health Director Bruce Anderson said the ban would protect employees and customers in most worksites, and he urged the council to make it even stronger.

"We encourage the council to remove those exemptions where smoking is permitted. ... It does not make sense to exempt certain workplaces if the health of workers and patrons is a priority," Anderson said.

Members of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Kaua'i spoke forcefully for the ban, but there were a few voices calling for limits on the measure.

Joe Batteiger, whose Po'ipu restaurant, Joe's On The Green, has all-outdoor seating, said that golfers come in for a drink in the afternoon and that their smoke would not affect anyone.

"This bill is heavyhanded. It's uncompromising. I think guests won't stay as long as they would have," he said.

Both Kaua'i mayoral candidates, council members Bryan Baptiste and Ron Kouchi, said they favor strengthening the measure by removing exemptions.