Posted on: Thursday, June 19, 2003

Big Island smoking ban faces final vote

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — The Big Island County Council yesterday moved a step closer to banning smoking in enclosed workplaces including restaurants, bowling alleys and bars.

Council members voted 7-2 to advance Bill 260, which would impose the most stringent limits on workplace smoking adopted by any of the counties.

If approved in one more vote by the full council, the bill would make the Big Island the first county in the state to ban smoking in bars.

"We are very happy that the council has decided to protect all workers, and we look forward to the next reading," said Tracie Yoshimoto, East Hawai'i Coordinator for the Hawai'i Island Tobacco-Free Partnership.

The proposed smoking restrictions have been backed by a well-organized anti-smoking coalition that includes nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, the state Department of Health and some healthcare providers.

In recent weeks the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawai'i has used advertising and a public relations firm to remind Big Island audiences of the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Supporters portray the measure as a workplace safety issue, arguing that workers and the public should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand cigarette smoke just as they are protected from asbestos, lead paint and carbon monoxide.

Critics of the bill have circulated petitions opposing it, protesting what they called "the adding of one more obstructive law to local businesses already suffering from an excess of rules and a downturned economy."

Bar owners have opposed the smoking ban, saying it would drive away customers and hurt their businesses.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has expressed doubts about a ban on smoking in bars, and urged the council to carefully consider the idea to be sure it is fair.

However, Kim has said if the council keeps the bar ban in the bill, he is willing to go along with it.

Smoking restrictions enacted by Kaua'i, Maui and Honolulu counties vary somewhat, but all three allow smoking at stand-alone bars and nightclubs where food service is considered incidental.

Kaua'i and Honolulu ban smoking in enclosed workplaces, while Maui does not.