Everyone has the right to breathe clean air
Voters spoke and lawmakers listened. The health and well-being of Hawaii communities received essential protection with the adoption of Hawaii's new Smoke-free law, enacted on the same day as the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. Hawaii is the 15th state to pass a significant smoke-free law. Since then, several other states such Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota have passed compressive smoke-free laws.
Smoking is prohibited:
- in all workplaces including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, outdoor & lanai business areas
- in airports from cabin to curb, in sports and outdoor arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, in the common areas of condo and apartment buildings, or within 20 feet of doorways, windows, and ventilation intakes
- in partially or fully enclosed buildings and vehicles owned by the state or counties, open to the public (including private businesses), or places of employment
Smoke-Free Is Good for Business
How many times have you left a smoke-filled bar or restaurant in search of fresh air? Based on studies of other smoke-free cities, states and countries, Hawaii's new law is expected to have a positive economic impact.
Smoke-free workplaces not only help employees and patrons breathe better, they help control costs, enhance corporate image, and reduce employer liability. Business owners and managers are required to step up to the plate and post "No Smoking" signs at location entrances on or before November 16, 2006.
Violations Hit Hard
Businesses can't afford to ignore the new no-smoking guidelines. Those in violation of the new smoke-free law will face a series of fines:
- $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for each subsequent offense within one year.
- Violators may be subject to license revocation or suspension. Individual fines are set at $50 plus court fees.
Read the full text of the bill here
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