STAR-BULLETIN FILE PHOTO/ 2000 Fireworks lit up the night Dec. 31, 2000, and it also filled the sky with smoke. The American Lung Association of Hawaii does not expect the smoke to be as heavy as years past, but still warns the public to be prepared.

Group urges caution
in New Year’s smoke

The American Lung Association
offers tips for surviving the night

Coast Guard on alert
Pets need special care

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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

Douglas Yee, president of the American Lung Association of Hawaii, said the group does not expect the city of Honolulu "to disappear in a cloud of smoke" this year, but people should still be careful.

Because of the sharp decrease in the number of fireworks permits for the New Year's holiday, the association did not feel it needed to ask hotels to provide "Safe Haven" air-conditioned rooms for people wishing to escape the smoke as it has since 1999, he said. But the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki volunteered to provide discounted rooms of $110 a night and the association took up the offer, he said.

The association also is offering free dust masks at its 245 N. Kukui St. office, suite 100. Or call 537-5966.

Yee noted that Hawaii has one of the highest rates of asthma in the nation.

"Most of the major cities of the world have made the use of fireworks illegal. Now we're a major metropolitan center; we cannot have the city disappear in a cloud of smoke. We can't do things like we use to when we were just a city of 100,000 people," he said.

Air quality has a great impact on lung health, according to the association. Fragile lung tissue is easily damaged by pollutants in the air, resulting in increased risk of asthma and allergies, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

The association recommends the following precautions on New Year's Eve especially for people with chronic breathing problems, such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema:

>> Do not smoke, and try to avoid second-hand smoke.

>> Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus and help you cough. Warm beverages tend to work best.

>> Stay indoors, close windows and doors, and use an air conditioner or air purifier with a good filter.

>> If you are taking medications, it is important to continue taking them. Medications for an acute episode should be readily available; call your physician ahead of time and get clear instructions.

>> Avoid people who have colds or other lung infections.

>> Contact your physician as soon as any problem develops.

>> A paper, gauze surgical or nontoxic dust mask may help. Moistening the mask with a solution of baking soda and water may improve the filtration of smoke. But if you find it more difficult to breathe with the mask on, do not use it.

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Coast Guard on
New Year’s alert

Boaters are warned to only use
flares for emergency purposes

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Star-Bulletin staff

The Coast Guard is warning boaters not to use flares as fireworks as part of their New Year's Eve celebration.

Flares are used to signal distress and the Coast Guard will respond to all flare sightings, the agency said in a press release.

The Coast Guard will also be conducting patrols and vessel boardings over the holiday period and are cautioning boat operators not to drink beyond the legal limit.

"The Coast Guard will be heavily enforcing boating while intoxicated laws," said Petty Officer Jason D. Hagen. Those violating the law will be cited, he said.

Boaters who will have more guests than usual onboard should make sure they provide the proper safety equipment, including life jackets.

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STAR-BULLETIN / OCTOBER 2001 The Hawaiian Humane Society warns that New Year's fireworks may frighten animals, so be sure to keep them indoors.

Pets need special care
during New Year's

Fireworks may scare animals,
warns the Humane Society

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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

The sound and fury of New Year's Eve fireworks strike fear into furry and feathered animals.

Hawaiian Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt reminds pet owners that "the noise and flash frighten the animals, and they run away and get lost."

"Be sure to keep them inside and that they are wearing an ID," she said. "And if they become lost, come here; we're the lost and found."

Dr. Eric Ako of The Pet Doctor in Kahala, also executive secretary of the Veterinarian Medical Association, recommended that dogs and cats be "taken into a dark room with the stereo on."

"Stay at home and talk to them, tell them everything's all right; calm them," he said.

Rabbits are easily frightened so they also need a dark place, he said, adding that every cage should have a hutch.

"Birds are even more sensitive to smoke. Obviously I recommend they be kept indoors in an air-conditioned, enclosed room. If there is none, keep one window open and a fan blowing out the window," Ako said.

Animals should not be tranquilized by routine. Each animal's vet should make the decision, "but generally I don't recommend it," Ako said.

He said pet owners could ask their vets for an alternative herbal tranquilizer called "L-tryptophan," not a sedative, that is safe for dogs, cats and other animals, he said.

If your animal does not have an ID tag, the Humane Society recommends that you write your phone number on the pet's collar. Keep photographs of each pet in case any get lost.

The society is at 2700 Waialae Ave. in Moiliili. If you find a lost animal, call 946-2187, extension 285, or bring the animal to the shelter. The society is open 24 hours, including New Year's Day.

If you lose your pet, come to the shelter to look for it and report it lost, noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and weekends. Bring a photo of the pet with you.