Hawaii Reporter
A Review of the Bans and Prohibitions from the 2010 Legislative Session
By Frances Nuar

Bans, prohibitions—call them what you will, the Hawaii State Legislature has been busy hearing a number of bills that if passed will prevent Hawaii residents and visitors from consuming and utilizing products they likely use virtually every day.Take care of your lawn? Don’t use a gas leaf blower.

Smoke? Only in the comfort of your home or car (for now) and not in most public places.

Go to the beach? Don’t dare bring back more sand than what is lodged solidly in body crevices.

Own a car? Turn off the alarm system, the noise is about to be banned.

Enjoy fine dining? Forget about ordering foie gras or goose liver pate.

Like soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, fast food, snacks and baked goods? Might need to change diets as trans fats could be banned.

Drive a car? Don’t drive while hungry or thirsty; eating and drinking while driving will be illegal if this ban passes. (Does this mean drive-through fast food chains will be outlawed?)

Enjoy fireworks? The legislature is trying to ban all fireworks, even on the 4th of July. Rep. Barbara Marumoto, R-Kahala proposes a comprehensive ban on all fireworks. “It’s a question of health and safety…we should protect ourselves from fireworks.”

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