There is no evidence to suggest that Hawai'i's smoke-free workplace law, in effect since November 2006, has harmed the hospitality or tourism industries, according to a study released today by the state Department of Health.

The report, which looked at economic indicators from the visitor industry, concluded there are 212 more people working in the industry after the law went into effect compared to the year before the law.

Visitor spending in all visitor markets, including Japan, was comparable before and after the law, according to the report.

"We anticipated that, like other states where similar laws have been enacted, there would be no negative impact," said Chiyome Fukino, state director of health.