An overwhelming majority of Hawaii residents support the Smoke-Free law, according to a survey commissioned by the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii (CTFH). Fifteen months after the Smoke-Free law took effect, support for Hawaii's Smoke-Free Law continues to increase. According to study results from Ward Research, nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of Hawaii residents strongly favor the Smoke-Free Law. This represents an increase of eight percent from initial survey results recorded in February 2007.

In February 2008, Ward Research was commissioned by CTFH to track any changes in Hawaii resident attitudes toward the Smoke-Free Law. Results of this survey indicate that 74 percent of Hawaii residents now strongly favor the law, compared to 66 percent in February 2007.
Eighty-two percent of respondents strongly agreed that all workers in Hawaii should be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace. This statistic increases to 95 percent for Hawaii residents aged 35 to 54.

Eighty-three percent strongly agreed that it's really nice to enjoy restaurants and bars in Hawaii without smelling like cigarette smoke when you get home. Now that they are smoke free, 80 percent of Hawaii residents strongly agreed that restaurants and bars are healthier for customers and employees.
In an economy where 80 percent of consumer purchases are driven by women, it should be noted that females are significantly more likely than males to be in favor of the public smoking ban, smoke-free workplace, and to agree that smoke-free restaurants and bars are healthier for customers and employees. Eighty-one percent of females interviewed strongly favor the Smoke-Free law.

Hawaii residents with higher household income are more likely to agree with Smoke-Free law. Ninety-six percent of respondents with a household income of $100,000 and above agree that restaurants and bars are healthier for customers and employees now that they are smoke-free.

Hawaii became the 14th state to join a national and international movement to protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke, since then, 11 other states have passed smoke-free work-place laws. Under Hawaii's law all enclosed and partially enclosed workplaces are now smoke-free, including bars, nightclubs, airports and shopping malls.

CTFH was instrumental in the passage of Hawaii's smoke-free law designed to protect people from secondhand smoke while at work and in most public places.

The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii represents agencies, businesses and individuals working together to reduce the negative impact of tobacco in the islands. For more information about the Coalition visit www.tobaccofreehawaii.org.

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