Question: It’s great that e-cigs are treated like regular cigarettes now, but who is enforcing the law when people continue to smoke them inside like they are used to? If I see a violation, do I call the police, the Health Department, the property manager (i.e., mall security)? What if the violation is at a workplace? It would be helpful if you could explain who is actually enforcing this law, and how to alert authorities of violations.

Q: My boss is one of those people who thinks it’s no big deal to smoke e-cigs. Our office is completely polluted. Is there a way to report a violation and get him to stop without him knowing who reported it?

Answer: Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Health, addresses these questions, based on information from the DOH’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program:

“The police ultimately enforce the no-smoking law that now includes e-cigarettes (per Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 328J). Complaints about e-cigarette use will be handled the same way as complaints about other smoking violations. If there is a potential violation of the law, this should first be reported to the establishment owner or operator or enforcement personnel (i.e. restaurant owner, office supervisor, building manager, security, etc.). It is the duty of the owner or operator of an establishment to ensure that employees, clients, and guests are adhering to the state law.

“Owners/operators are responsible for placing adequate and conspicuous signage, removing ashtrays, and training staff or employees to politely inform people about where smoking is not allowed. If building owners/operators are experiencing trouble with implementing these responsibilities, they can contact the Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Education Program with questions or for suggestions at 586-4613. If the person who is smoking or using e-cigarettes becomes defiant or combative, it is recommended that the owner or operator call the local police to address the matter.

“When an authority figure is the potential violator of the law, it can be a difficult situation. However, it can be reported anonymously to the … Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (586-4613) or to the local police department.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, DOH will make a phone call and send a letter to the person in charge indicating that an anonymous complaint has been made. The Department of Health does not have to reveal the name of the complainant. Anonymous reports can also be made to the local police department, and a citation may be given if the person is found to be in violation of the law.”

MAHALO

I am not a “local,” but have been a frequent leisure and business visitor to Hawaii for more than 25 years. … I wanted to extend a very big mahalo to the compassionate, proactive and helpful staff I had the great fortune of encountering at the Honolulu Airport before leaving on an international flight on Jan. 26. … Somehow my elderly mother made a wrong turn out of the restroom and ended up clear on the opposite end from where our flight was scheduled to depart, all the way over to the Hawaiian/interisland wing. … I was looking frantically for her, enlisting the help and support of the Securitas staff, as well as the ladies working at a sushi restaurant. … All were most supportive and empathetic. They assisted by having my mother paged in both English and Japanese … and also gave me word when she was found. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the Hawaiian Airlines staff who escorted my mother back. … Everyone’s genuine empathy and concern were most comforting, and we were able to make our flight. … As a “hapa” individual myself, Hawaii holds a special place in my heart … and the aloha spirit has not been lost on me over the years. Yet the support and assistance extended to me throughout this ordeal … served to more than reinforce within me that it is very much alive and well. — Much aloha and mahalo nui loa, Mari Bryant Yachiyo, Chiba prefecture, Japan

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.