Maui Council WAILUKU >> A proposal to ban smoking in restaurants on Maui was approved unanimously yesterday by the County Council's Human Services and Economic Development Committee.
committee approves
ban on smoking
in restaurants
The widely-supported proposal
goes before the full council Aug. 2Associated Press
The proposal, which is similar to a measure passed this year by the Honolulu City Council that bans smoking in most restaurants on Oahu, goes before the full council Aug. 2.
The Maui proposal met little opposition, with much of the discussion focusing on whether the bill goes far enough.
Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson said she may introduce an amendment that would extend the ban to bars and nightclubs.
Acting Council Chairman Dain Kane, who introduced the bill, said he intended to "take small steps rather than leaping strides" in excluding bars and nightclubs.
Johnson said the health of workers was her primary concern. The sentiment was backed by many who testified.
"Workers in restaurants are exposed to those things whether or not they like it -- that's not just," said Nikan Arapoff, a restaurant worker who also works as a health teacher at Baldwin High School.
Bartender Nancy Jill Sundberg also supported the ban.
"Last night I had a couple of Mistys and some Kent cigarettes, and they were nowhere near my mouth," she said.
Only one resident spoke out in opposition.
Bill Burton, owner of Sir Winfred's coffee and tobacco shop, said a ban could result in a visitor dropoff.
"If you tell them they can't smoke, it may be their last trip here," he said.
The Honolulu law began July 1. It allows smoking in restaurant bar areas only if they have a separate ventilation system and are separated by a floor-to-ceiling wall. Lighting up in outdoor restaurants and in separate open-air sections of restaurants also is allowed under strict criteria.
Maui County
