A bill that would bar smoking in restaurants was given a preliminary nod yesterday by a 6-2 vote of the City Council. Anti-smoking bill
moves aheadJon Yoshimura breaks stride
and votes in favor of the measureStar-Bulletin staff
While a slew of other approvals are still needed, yesterday's vote could be a harbinger that the Council may finally be on its way toward passing a restaurant smoking bill on Oahu after at least three failed attempts, including a 5-4 vote last month.
The measure, introduced by John Henry Felix, Duke Bainum, Steve Holmes and Gary Okino, would allow smoking in the outside areas and bars of restaurants and would take effect six months after its passage.
Significant in yesterday's vote was the fact that Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura joined the four introducers in moving the bill forward.
Yoshimura, on three other occasions, has voted against legislation restricting smoking.
Yoshimura, who still may introduce his own restaurant smoking bill, said the time is right for the city to enact smoking legislation.
Other Council members, however, continue to hold reservations about a smoking ban.
Councilman Romy Cachola, while voting to support the bill on first reading yesterday, said he would prefer the bill be deferred until the economy gets better.
Voting against the measure were Rene Mansho and John DeSoto.
City & County of Honolulu
