1/30/2007
Rep. Colleen Meyer, R-Kaaawa

Honolulu – I drafted and introduced Bill H.B. No. 792 in the Hawaii State House of Representatives to exempt bars, nightclubs, and restaurants from the complete ban on smoking, provided that exterior signage adequately warns the public that smoking is allowed within.

I'm very concerned with the calls my office is receiving about the loss of revenue that small business owners are experiencing across the state since the statewide smoking ban went into affect in November.

Many long time business establishments have closed in other states due to the passage of smoking ban legislation and hundreds of others are limping along with revenues 30 to 50 percent of what they were before the ban.

This is really a piece of common sense legislation that would allow a choice for both business owners and their patrons.

I was joined by Representatives Rida Cabanilla, Karen Awana, Tom Brower, Cindy Evans and Gene Ward in the signing of this bill.

House Bill 792 has been referred to three committees, Health (HLT), Economic Development and Business (EDB) and Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC). A referral to three committees definitely makes it harder to get a bill over to the Senate.

Nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition asking the Governor and the Legislature for a repeal of the smoking ban.

Now these people need to call and write the Legislative members of these committees if they want to affect a change.

A U.S. Supreme court decision during the early 1970's ((Lloyd Corp v. Tanner, 407 U.S. 551 (1992)) said a place of business does not become public property because the public is invited in.

So, by that same reasoning. A restaurant or bar is not public property. We need to support small business and stop regulating them out of business.
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