HI HR49

Requests the Department of Health to conduct a study on the feasibility of prohibiting smoking on Hawaii's public beaches.

Study must examine harmful effects of smoking on beaches including health impacts, environmental effects, and littering; secondhand smoke effects in outdoor areas; and actions other states have taken to ban or restrict beach smoking.

Study must also explore alternative options to reduce harmful effects of smoking on beaches including health, environmental, and littering concerns.

Department of Health must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session convening.

Cites 2009 data showing tobacco products represent 38 percent of litter items in America and references 1,500 cigarette butts collected in one hour at Waikiki Beach as evidence of the problem.