Hawaii Topia

Hawaii has become the first state in the US to require new homes to be built with, “solar or other energy efficient hot water systems.” The law goes into effect 1 Jan, 2010. I think this is great news if it results in less oil being used to heat water in homes.

Hawaii’s Senate Majority Leader Gary L. Hooser stated, “Hawaii is almost totally dependent on imported oil for its energy needs and estimates show that, with this law, our oil consumption will be cut by 30,000 barrels during the first year and continues to decline exponentially thereafter. While the instituting of broad mandates is never an easy thing to do, the public benefits resulting from the passage of this measure are huge.”

Apparently, this change will result in a 30% reduction in the use of energy from the electric company. Good news all around!

According to KGMB9, the vast majority (74%) of Hawaii residents are in favor of the recent “Smoke Free Law.”

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.

What does the Smoke Free Law mean in Hawaii?

Under Hawaii’s law all enclosed and partially enclosed workplaces are now smoke-free, including bars, nightclubs, airports and shopping malls.

As a non-smoker I’m in favor of a law like this. I know this is a sore subject for smokers, especially for those that frequent bars and clubs were smokers smoke the most. Smoke Free Laws are a growing trend in America with 24 other states passing a Smoke Free Law.