New State Smoke-Free Law
On Nov. 16, 2006, a new smoke-free workplaces law goes into effect in Hawaii. The new law will prohibit smoking in all workplaces and numerous public places across the state. The new law has many consequences, among them no more smoking in bars and all restaurants as well as hotel lobbies, airports and many other areas. Tobacco-Free Kauai worked long and hard to help pass the bill and we are certain that it will go a long way in promoting public health.

Airports
On Jan. 31, 2006, Lihue Airport went smoke free. This was a direct result of TFK efforts over the previous 3 years, including letters to the editor and the governor, meeting with airport officials, conducting a petition campaign and a soliciting a legal opinion by the State Ombudsman's Office. Now, cancer patients traveling for treatment will no longer pass through air polluted with carcinogens. People with heart problems - even those who don't know they have them - will significantly lower their risk of a heart attack. Asthmatics won't have to hold their breath to ward off an attack as they hurry to their gates. Those with smoke allergies will not have to worry about poison clouds. Workers in the airport shops will not be forced to breathe contaminated air all day. And the general public, the vast majority of whom (83 percent) do not smoke, can now breathe clean air when they travel.

Lydgate Beach Clean Up
Tobacco-Free Kauai spearheaded an effort to remove dangerous cigarette butts from Lydgate Park to Kamalani Pavillion on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 from 8 a.m. until lunch. The beach cleanup was part of the national Make a Difference Day. There were prizes given for "Da Most Butts" and other categories. More than 75 youths from at least 5 different organizations worked hand in hand in gathering thousands of butts in about 2 hours.

Kauai Ordinance
The County of Kauai enacted a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance that took effect Jan. 1, 2003. The ordinance includes all restaurants and workplaces with 5 or more employees per shift. Tobacco-Free Kauai fought hard to have the law passed and was in constant communication with County Council members to see that we had the best law possible at the time. At the initial hearing on the bill, more than 60 citizens testified in favor of a tough ordinance. We continue to monitor the effects of this law and the new state smoke-free workplaces law. We remain very proud of our achievements in this legislative arena.