Hawaii's Smoking Law & Those Who Break It

Hawaii's smoking ban, one of the toughest in the country, which went into effect November 16, 2006 bans smoking at all public places including restaurants, bars, office buildings and places of work. The law also prohibits within 20 feet of doorways and windows. Violators face fines of up to $100 for the first offense of business, and $50 for individuals. Lawmakers admit that the law is difficult to enforce. This doesn't mean that smokers should disregard the ban all together.

I am a non-smoker and although I don't agree with one's decision to light-up, I do believe in the right to enjoy a carcinogen filled cigarette if that's what you want to do. I also believe in my right to walk into a mall, or an office and not have to inhale your smoke. Smoking doesn't just effect the smoker, it effect everyone in the area. Studies have shown that second hand smoke leads to an increased risk of health problems including lung cancer. Why would you want to subject someone to that?

A wise person once told me, "There is no excuse for breaking the law. If a law is unfair, or antiquated, then we should work the change the law." Even if you disagree with the law, there is no reason to break it. Respect people's right to live smoke-free.

People have argued that the smoking ban hurts our economy by driving away tourist. So for a little more money we should sacrifice our health and the health of our children?

Maybe this law will give some smokers the push they need to kick the habit.

So when I walk past you and give you a dirty look while you're smoking right outside the door to borders at Windward Mall, you should know why, dummy!

Mesa & Go! Airlines, You Stink!

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lloyd King invalidated the sale of the Aloha Airlines name to Yucaipa, in effect preventing Mesa Air Group from being able to use the name, which it planned to splash across its planes here in Hawaii.  Although from reading this article from the Honolulu Advertiser http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090303/BREAKING03/90303054, Judge King based his decision on something other than the immoral abuse of Aloha Airlines, I think a lot of people will be happy with his decision.  However, I'm sure there is still a lot to worry about, like Yucaipa acquiring the name by some other means and once again licensing it to Mesa.

A part of me wanted Mesa to actually use the Aloha Airlines name, just so that I could hate them even more!  I should be clear though, I don't hate the people who work there, especially our local residents who are really in need of work.  That being said, I do despise the way Mesa Air Group brought go! Airlines to Hawaii.  They came here, not to lower airfares or provide Hawaii residents alternatives to inter-island travel, but to drive an airline out of business so that it could take its place.  Yes, they provide jobs for many of Hawaii's residents, however, they were a direct cause to the demise of Aloha Airlines and the loss of more jobs than they provide.

I fly Hawaiian Airlines.  They offer pretty good service, most of the time, and my flight is on time 9 times out of 10.  As for go! Airlines, I have never flown with them and I never will.

Plus, only one airline is Hawaiian. 

Posted via email from hawaiianstate's posterous

Is our justice system failing Hawaii's residents?

There have been a string of tragic events recently here in Hawaii.  Two crashes killed four people in one day.  Following that a woman and her two children were struck on the North Shore.  A gifted, teacher was stabbed to death while minding her own business in Ewa.  All that got me thinking about all the crime and how outraged I was in the recent months to see all kinds of criminals being let off easy by Hawaii's judges.

Worst of all were the drunk drivers who somehow kept getting off with probation or a year or two for killing people in horrific accidents on our roadways.  People are always using the same argument, "But they were drunk" or "They were on drugs, it was the drugs."  Bull-shit, if you choose to take drugs, then you should have to endure any consequences that result from your behavior while on those drugs.  I don't understand how these judges let these dangerous people back into our community.

What can we learn from this, if anything?  If you want to commit a crime, make sure to get drunk first, so the judge will let you off easy.  You can just say, "the beer made me do it."

Posted via email from hawaiianstate's posterous

Honesty is Key

Honesty has never been easy for me. Growing up and even today, I'm not honest. I say what people want to hear. I anticipate what people want and say what I think will make them happy. If I have bad news, I bead around the bush until I can think of a way to put it nicely. And I always follow it up with some remark to down play how bad the news I just delivered really was.

This blog is a way for me to change all of that. I'm going to be honest, even if it upsets people. I want to get my opinion out there, for everyone to read. I hope you'll join me for some brutal, but refreshing honesty.