Updated at 5:01 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Bar owners challenge anti-smoking law in court
By KEN KOBAYASHI
Advertiser Courts Writer
The Hawai'i Bar Owners Association filed a Circuit Court lawsuit Tuesday contending that the law violates the state constitution because it does not provide "just compensation" to the association's members who are suffering financial harm from having to exclude smokers from their establishments. The suit also said the law is too vague.
The lawsuit asks for a court order prohibiting the state from enforcing the law and a declaration that the law violates the state constitution.
The law went into effect Nov. 16.
State officials could not be immediately reached for comment.
Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.
