Local anti-smoking advocates are applauding a new Big Island law that prohibits smoking in a vehicle when a minor is present.

Mayor Billy Kenoi signed the bill into law May 10, adding a new dimension to the county smoking ban, which already covers public buildings, county parks and restaurants and bars. The law will take effect Aug. 8.

The measure, which aims to protect children from secondhand smoke, was introduced by Hawaii County Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason of Puna and approved by the Council on April 20.

Hawaii County is the second-largest local jurisdiction in the country to ban smoking when children are in a vehicle and the only county in the state to take smoking bans that far, said Deborah Zysman, executive director of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii. “;Our kids will be healthier and Hawaii residents will save millions in health care costs relating to smoking,”; Zysman said in a news release.

“;Big Island keiki are particularly impacted because asthma prevalence is highest in Hawaii County,”; said Sally Ancheta, Hawaii island program coordinator with the American Lung Association in Hawaii. “;With vog and existing asthma conditions, it's especially important to reduce our children's exposure to secondhand smoke.”;

The mayor's executive assistant, Hunter Bishop, said Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and police commanders are discussing enforcement of the new ordinance.

“;It may be problematic to enforce, such as in vehicles with tinted windows, but police will be enforcing it as best they can,”; Bishop said.