Surf, sand, and Duke...no butts allowed

Representative Tom Brower, D-23 (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako), introduced a bill this session that would require beachgoers who smoke cigarettes to get off the sand before lighting up. House Bill 1509, which prohibits smoking on the beaches of Waikiki from the shore break to the sidewalk of private property line, is scheduled to be heard by the House Health Committee Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.

"More needs to be done to protect one of our island's precious beaches from litter," said Rep. Brower. "I'm looking forward to the discussion this bill will create as we try to find ways to enhance tourism, improve health, and preserve the beauty of our islands."

According to the present language of the bill, smoking would be allowed on sidewalks. The intention of the bill is to make Waikiki beaches smoke-free and thwart beachgoers from smoking near the ocean water and on the sand. Twenty-nine members of the House of Representatives have signed in support of the bill.

Interested in submitting testimony? Contact Rep. Brower's office for more information at 586-8520.

You can view the bill here: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/bills/HB1509_.pdf