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A woman smoking a cigarette in her vehicle.
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The bill barring smoking in cars with children as passengers is on the verge of becoming law on Oahu. This very well could reduce the exposure of kids to secondhand smoke, at least while they’re riding along.
That in itself is not a bad thing, but the question arises: Does this mean the interior of a personal car is no longer a private space?
Once Bill 70 is signed by the mayor, as expected, it will be interesting to see how it is enforced. Will police be watching for puffs of smoke at stoplights (as they now watch for taps on cell phones by drivers waiting at intersections)?
Waikiki road rules get handed off to noncity group
It’s concerning that bills allowing a new nonprofit to set up parking fees, oversee freight and passenger deliveries and make other traffic rules in Waikiki won City Council backing on Wednesday.
Plus, if approved by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, the Waikiki Transportation Management Association — an offshoot of the Waikiki Improvement Association — will score a cut of cash collected from parking and other transportation-related revenues. (Parking meters across the island now generate a total of $4 million a year.) Honolulu Hale officials should not be handing off public oversight responsibilities.
