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CTY - An unidentified man smokes a cigarette near the ocean on Wednesday
Smoking will be banned at all city parks, beaches and bus stops under bills passed by the Honolulu City Council this morning.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell has stated he supports the intent of both bills and is expected to sign them.
The bans will take effect Jan. 1 to allow for public education and time for the city to put up signs about the bans.
A majority of the testifiers of Bill 25, which bans smoking at Oahu’s 293 city-owned parks and beaches, supported the bill although there was a smattering of people against it.
Supporters said the bill would help the environment and make public recreational spaces healthier for beach and park-users. But opponents said the bill goes too far and encroaches on people’s rights.
Similar arguments were made from both sides regarding Bill 28, banning smoking at the city’s roughly 4,000 bus stops.
Both bills were approved unanimously.
