University of Hawaii at Hilo students who enjoy vaping or cigarettes soon might need to slip their supplies into a pocket — and keep them there while on campus.
University of Hawaii at Hilo students who enjoy vaping or cigarettes soon might need to slip their supplies into a pocket — and keep them there while on campus.
Legislation to ban people from smoking e-cigarettes or regular cigarettes on all University of Hawaii campuses statewide is being proposed at the Legislature.
“I am not a very big fan of cigarettes,” said Kyle Shore, a senior in kinesiology and exercise at UH-Hilo.
Shore, who was interviewed at the 808 Tobacco store on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo this week, said when he walks around campus, the smell of cigarettes is disgusting.
Shore was at the store to buy hookah supplies.
“I do a little homework, smoke a little hookah, sit back, relax,” he said.
He also said he’s uncertain about the safety of vaping because of the possibility an e-cigarette device might blow up.
Versions of legislation to ban cigarettes and vaping, or e-cigarettes, on campuses have been proposed in the House and the Senate. The legislation does not ban carrying the supplies. But using them would be prohibited.
Richard Yamboa, who was working the counter Friday afternoon at 808 Tobacco, said such legislation is not a concern.
“For me, it’s OK. That’s fine, because that is the law,” he said. “So you can follow the laws, the rules of the government.”
Jerry Chang, director of university relations at UH-Hilo, said students in general might not even know about the proposed legislation yet.
If legislation passes, “smoking will not be allowed anywhere on campus at the University of Hawaii at Hilo,” Chang said.
So far, he’s not heard student reaction to the proposed ban.
Smoking is widely banned in restaurants and other businesses. But prohibiting vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, hasn’t followed suit as quickly.
But, Chang said, “with studies showing vaping does have some detrimental effects, it should be included” in a universitywide ban.
Irie Hawaii owner Mariner Revell said he’s disappointed about the legislation and wishes campuses could have an outdoor pavilion in which students could smoke or vape.
Many health risks exist, he said, and it would make as much sense to ban sweets that can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
“I don’t smoke,” he said. “But I support people’s rights who do.”
Reach Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.