State Senator Josh Green, the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, introduced Senate Bill 651 which would prohibit smoking within 20 feet of all state and federal public housing buildings, entrances, exists, windows, and ventilation systems. This anti-smoking legislation would also apply to all common areas such as roofs, halls, sidewalks, lobbies, stairways basements, gardens, and parking areas. Green stated, "In general I think the state should take a very firm stance against smoking in any public setting, including public housing, because it affects the health of the smokers, and secondhand smoke affects other individuals around them, including children. It's a very clear public health priority for me to diminish smoking statewide, and this (bill) is, as far as I'm concerned, a reasonable piece of that policy."
If a occupant of public-housing violates the anti-smoking policy four times, they could have their lease terminated. Smoking would be defined as "inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco product or plant product intended for inhalation in any manner or in any form." The Bill is now going before both chambers for final approval. If it makes it through the state legislature, it would be sent to Governor Neil Abercrombie for his signature and approval.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-28-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
