HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

A bill which would prohibit smoking at certain beaches and parks in Waikiki and Ala Moana and at Sandy Beach Park has been introduced by Honolulu City Councilmember Stanley Chang.

Bill 72 would revise current city ordinances which only restrict smoking at the Honolulu Zoo, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Crater Botanical Garden and the Waikiki Shell, except where permitted in certain designated areas.

The beaches and parks named in Bill 72 include:

"In addition to the health risks to smokers and risks caused by second hand smoke, cigarette butts are still the number one cause of litter in our city and at our beaches," said Councilmember Stanley Chang. "I introduced this measure to keep our beaches clean and ensure that our visitors and residents are able to enjoy their beach-going experience."

Earlier this year, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii conducted a poll on Oahu asking residents their opinion on the matter.

"According to our survey, there is overwhelming support with 73% percent of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that our beaches should be smoke-free," said Jessica Yamauchi, Executive Director of the Coalition. "In 2008, Hawaii County passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking at all County beaches and parks and there continues to be strong support for this law."

Bill 72 will be introduced for first reading on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 10:00 am at the meeting of the full Council on the third floor of Honolulu Hale. Comments and testimony on the Bill are welcome.

Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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Bill would prohibit smoking at beaches, parks in Waikiki and Ala Moana