The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit smoking in a motor vehicle when a minor is present.
Senate Bill 2083 would impose a fine of $100 to anyone who smokes or uses an electronic cigarette while in a vehicle with someone under the age of 18, even if the windows are rolled down.
If SB 2083 is passed, Hawaii would become the eighth state to prohibit smoking when children are in a vehicle. A similar restriction was adopted in Hawaii County in 2010.
Supporters said the measure will help protect the state’s youth from the effects of secondhand smoke, particularly in a time when their bodies are still developing.
“Children breathe more rapidly than adults, and therefore inhale more harmful chemicals per pound of their weight than do adults in the same amount of time,” Dr. Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, said in written testimony.
Pressler added that exposure to smoke in a confined space is more harmful than in an open area.
“Studies demonstrate that the concentration of toxins in a smoke-filled car is 23 times greater than that of a smoky bar,” she said.
Trish La Chica, policy and advocacy director of the Hawaii Public Health Institute, added that smoke-free cars are similar to current laws on public safety such as seat belts, child car seats and prohibiting the use of cellphones while driving.
Opponents of the bill argue that vehicles are not a public place and that the government shouldn’t control how a family is raised.
“A parent that loves their child would make that decision not to (smoke) in the environment where the child would be affected by it. I think only a vicious parent would do otherwise,” said Michael Zehner, co-chairman of the Hawaii Smokers Alliance. “When the government steps in and tries to control how a person raises their children and raises their family more and more, I think that’s a real dangerous step that we’re taking.”
Senate Bill 2083 will now move on to the House Judiciary Committee. The House version of the bill was not heard by any committees, but was introduced by Judiciary Chairman Karl Rhoads.
