Hawaii Senate Bill SB553

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

Relating To Smoking.

Impact

The legislation amends Section 127A-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to explicitly grant the governor the authority to impose smoking prohibitions as part of emergency management efforts. This change is significant as it seeks to fill a legislative gap by allowing for immediate action to mitigate health risks associated with smoking in shared living spaces during emergencies, which could be crucial in preventing health crises among vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 553 aims to enhance public health measures during states of emergency, particularly in relation to smoking in multi-unit residential buildings. The bill enables the governor of Hawaii to prohibit smoking in such residences during a declared emergency, which is especially relevant during events that require residents to shelter in place, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is driven by the need to protect the health of individuals with respiratory diseases and multiple chemical sensitivities from the adverse effects of tobacco smoke during heightened health crises.

Conclusion

Overall, SB553 represents a proactive approach to safeguarding public health in Hawaii, particularly in addressing the unique challenges posed by multi-unit living arrangements during emergencies. Its enactment could lead to broader discussions on tobacco regulation and public health policy, potentially serving as a model for similar legislation in other states.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to protect certain populations from harmful smoke exposure during emergencies, it may raise concerns about personal freedoms and property rights among smokers and landlords. Critics could argue that such restrictions might infringe on individual rights to engage in lawful activities within private properties. The balance between public health interests and personal liberties is likely to be a central point of discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders during the bill's consideration.