Big Island Bill 302: To Ban Use of eCigs In Public Places
Introduced in October, Bill 302 is proposed to ban ecigarettes and vaporizers from county parks, beaches and at establishments where tobacco cigarettes have already been banned. Backed by Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha, he has stated that the bill follows the states lead on the topic, as it takes into account complaints he has heard from people who feel that, their air is violated by the use of ecigs.
Just this past Thursday, Bill 302 gained a tidal wave of support from the public and was therefore voted 6-2 to be forwarded with a positive recommendation to the County Council by the Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee.
During the meeting, Representatives from tobacco Free Big Island went against ecig users and vendors in the debate both defending their opposing views on the controversial topic.
Tami MacAllen, West Hawaii community coordinator for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii in her argument against ecigs stated, Evidence is clear that (electronic smoking devices) do not just emit harmless water vapor but a harmful aerosol. Secondhand aerosol contains nicotine, ultra-fine particles and toxins known to cause cancer. There should be no question about supporting this bill. Its about protecting the public health.[1]
MacAllens view on ecigs was supported by most of the two-dozen testifiers that were present at the meeting. Other support was generated from letters that were sent in to the council before the meeting occurred.
Tim Michel an ex-smoker gave an opposing point of view, which was held also by over 1,000 signatures given to the council of a petition against passing the bill.
I was a smoker for 36 years, Michel stated. I quit smoking with the help of ecigarettes.
Michel and other ecig supporters explained that the vapor exhaled by users disappears quickly and does not cause harm to others the way second hand smoke does. The device does not have any tobacco as they had stated it contains propylene glycol, which they said is derived from cabbage. It is the same liquid used in fog machines, clubs and concerts. Other supporters also added that many vapers do not add nicotine in their eliquid, they vape only for flavor.
Unsatisfied with the ecig supporters comments, Pahoa resident Toby Hazel argued, I dont want to smell tobacco and I dont want to smell burned cabbage or whatever the hell it is, when he takes his trips to the beach.
The two remaining opponents of Bill 302 are Hilo Councilman Denni Onishi and Puna Councilman Greggor IIagan; both felt that an ecig ban would impede a persons efforts to use ecigarettes as a way to quit smoking. They also believed that it would be difficult to enforce an outdoor ban and even moreso that a ban like it would be against a persons individual liberties.
Its a personal liberty, said IIagan. I dont ever want to see our government taking over that freedom, that liberty, that choice.
The committee had postponed the bill in October after it was made clear to Kanuha that the council only favored banning the devices inside buildings and enclosed public areas but not outdoors.
Bill302 banning electronic smoking devices from all County buildings, parks, and beaches will be heard by Hawaii CountyCouncil on Wednesday 11/19 at 9am. Council meets in Kona at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kona at 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Building A. The public can also participate in meetings in Hilo, Ocean View, North Kohala, at the Pāhoa Council Office at the Pāhoa Marketplace, 15-2660 Pāhoa Village Road, Room 105, and at the Waimea Council Office, at the Holumua Center, 64-1067, Māmalahoa Highway, Suite 5.
* Video Public Testimony: Those submitting video testimony may email a complete web address (url) to videotestimony@hawaiicounty.gov before 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting. The email shall indicate the appropriate Committee or Council meeting, the meeting date, agenda item (communication, bill, resolution, or report number), and number of testifiers on the video submittal. Each video submittal shall be limited to a single agenda item. Video submittals may contain up to three (3) individual testifiers and shall each be up to three (3) minutes in length. Video testimony will not be played during the meeting; however, it will be distributed to Council Members prior to the meeting. If submitted after the deadline, Council Members will receive the video testimony after the meeting. The Office of the County Clerk reserves the right to refuse testimony containing inappropriate content or that is not in compliance with Rule 13 (Public Statements and Testimony) .
* Allowable video formats are to be internet-based, downloadable, and accessible to this office and the general public; e.g. YouTube being the most commonly known but any, of similar functionality and format we can access and review, is acceptable.
Written Public Testimony: The deadline for submission of written public testimony is before 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting. The Office of the County Clerk will accept receipt of your written public testimony by mail to the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720, by facsimile to (808) 961-8912; or by e-mail to counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us . Please submit separate written public testimony for each agenda item. AGE COUNCIL 11/19/2014 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink
What other laws affect your vaping rights in Hawaii? Find out more here
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