The list of rules for cigarette smokers is longer than that of a dad whose teenage daughter has just discovered boys. Maui County will possibly restrict even more areas of salvation for nicotine enthusiasts, adding to the lengthy amendment of non-smoke friendly locations which consist of just about every inch of the island save for your bedroom and a dingy dive bar. Now, the bus stop may become an illegal place to take a breather on your Marlboro in months to come.
The Maui County Council’s Housing, Human Services and Transportation Committee will either make that a reality or shelf the bill at its hearing this Thursday, Aug. 20 at 1:30pm. Councilmember Mike Victorino, presiding officer of Pro Tempore, is the advocate behind the proposed bill, dubbing it with the short but sweet title “A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8.20, MAUI COUNTY CODE, RELATING TO PROHIBITING SMOKING AT BUS STOPS.”
The relevant portion of the bill reads as follows:
Any bus stop established pursuant to chapter 11.07 of this code. The area of the bus stop for which the smoking prohibition applies shall extend out from the bus stop sign and the footprint of the shelter in every direction by twenty feet. The footprint of the shelter is defined by vertical planes extending down from the outermost edges of the shelter overhang or roof, if any.
What do you think? Is this bill an appropriate move to wipe out all traces of second-hand smoke in our public air? Or do you believe that the second-hand smoke controversy is overhyped? Should be an interesting council hearing on Thursday.
Click here to read Victorino’s bill.
Photo: JoeInQueens/Wikimedia Commons
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