A state regulatory review panel has issued its first "RegAlert" to inform local businesses of a proposed rule change that could negatively affect them.

The state Small Business Regulatory Review Board launched the "RegAlert" program last month in an effort to increase awareness of planned changes to rules and regulations that impact businesses. When a proposed rule change is flagged by the board, an e-mail alert is sent to various business organizations, which then notify their membership.

The board then solicits comments that are forwarded to the proposing agency for review. Based on the comments, the board can request that the governor delay sending the rule change to a public hearing until the concerns have been addressed.

Yesterday, the board sent its first "RegAlert"on a proposed Department of Health rule on smoking in public places. The alert included a link to the rule, although it did not explain why the rule was flagged.

Anyone interested in viewing the proposed rule change can visit http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/business/start_grow/small-business-info/sbrrb/regalert.