Big Isle council bans smoking in cars carrying minors

Anti-smoking advocates are applauding a new Big Island law that bans smoking in vehicles when a minor is present, effective Aug. 8. The bill was signed by Mayor Billy Kenoi on May 10, expanding the county’s smoking ban, which already covers public buildings, county parks and restaurants and bars.

Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason of Puna introduced the bill, which the Council approved on April 20 with a 5 to 3 vote. Voting for the measure were Council members Naeole-Beason,  J. Yoshimoto, Pete Hoffmann, Brenda Ford and Kelly Greenwell.

Hawaii County becomes the nation’s second-largest local jurisdiction 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.

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.