Smoke-Free State Park Ban Began Wednesday

Wednesday was the first day that the smoking ban at all Hawai’i State Parks, officially called Act 123, SLH 2015, went into effect.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds all members of the public that the ban is inclusive of all types of smoking, including electronic cigarettes. It also includes all forms of tobacco products.

Fifty state parks are included in Hawai’i’s State Park system. The parks encompass about 30,000 acres across five islands. Beaches, picnic and camping areas, trails, and roadways at the parks are all included in the ban as smoke-free zones.

“Hawai’i’s State Parks are important for public enjoyment of natural and wilderness areas, recreational activities, cultural, and historic sites. We ask the public’s compliance with this new law,” said Dann Quinn, State Parks administrator.

Those who violate the new law can be cited with a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for any offenses that follow. Both the DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement officers and Hawai’i Police Department officers can enforce the law.

“Protecting these areas from danger of wildfire that could affect native and endangered species, reducing trash and pollution, and ensuring the health of all members of the public, while enjoying the outdoors is a significant benefit we anticipate,” said Suzanne Case, DLNR Chairperson.