Tobacco program seeks support to maintain smoking ban

The Hawaii Bar Owners Association  has sued for a Circuit Court ruling that the smoke-free work and public places law that became effective on Nov. 16 violates the state constitution. The association’s suit claims the measure takes business away from association members without providing "just compensation." HiBOA also opposes the bottle bill, the minimum wage increase that took effect in January and the general excise tax surcharge on Oahu for transit.

In response, the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawai‘i has launched an appeal for support and donations to promote their cause. “You worked hard to pass this law for the protection of all workers and we want to make sure it is not changed or diluted in any way,” wrote Deborah Zysman , coalition director, in an email broadcast. “Building a campaign to fight and win demands time, money and effort. We need your support now!”

In addition to money to pay for a media and the advocacy campaign, the Coalition is looking for bar and restaurant owners “willing to talk to the media about how the new law has improved business and the lives of workers.” The group is seeking advocates to provide testimony and participate in campaign to email or write letters to Legislators. For more information, contact Zysman at (808) 946-6851 ext. 203 or deborah@tobaccofreehawaii.org.