Prohibits smoking in the state capitol.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The State Capitol is a beautiful building, with large lanais open to the balmy Hawaiian weather. People from all walks of life are welcome to participate in their state government at the Capitol building, and many do come to the Capitol to meet with their legislators, attend committee hearings, and support or oppose bills of personal interest to them.

Unfortunately, some of this participation is denied to people with respiratory problems. These people are overwhelmed by the cigarette smoke in the Capitol. Even though the lanais are open to the public, the cigarette smoke often hangs in the air. Additionally, when the smokers are close to an air intake vent, the smoke can infiltrate the building and have even a greater impact in closed meeting rooms and offices. This effect is also pronounced in the parking areas.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit smoking within the State Capitol and its underground structures.

SECTION 2. Chapter 328K, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§328K-    State Capitol, smoking prohibited in building. (a) The State Capitol is unique in state government as it is the site in which representative democracy takes place. It is a citizen's right to participate in that process. This right is curtailed for those with respiratory problems due to the secondhand smoke in the building.

(b) Cigarette and cigar smoking shall not be permitted in the State Capitol building, including the underground parking structure. For the purposes of this section, "in the building" includes the building lanais."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.