July 14, 2006 - Hawai`i's New Smoking Ban

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To protect our residents and visitors from the dangers of second-hand tobacco smoke, I recently signed a bill to ban smoking in most public places.  This includes restaurants, bars, nightclubs, office buildings, airports and workplaces.

It was not long ago when we believed that non-smoking sections in restaurants or on an airplane were sufficient to keep second-hand smoke away from non-smokers.

Now that we have concrete research about the serious health risks of second-hand smoke, it is critical that we provide public venues that are truly smoke-free.

This new smoking ban, which will take effect on November 16, will save lives.