Hawaiians butt out smoking

More Hawaiian residents than ever before are planning to give up smoking as the state attempts to cope with one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the US.

Since November 16th, anyone caught lighting up in public places – including 20 feet from doorways and windows – is liable for a hefty fine.

But many restaurateurs and bar-owners have complained that the stringent ruling may have a detrimental effect on the vital tourist economy, especially among Japanese visitors.

However, Hawaiians themselves appear to be leading by example in their effort to kick the habit.

Valerie Smalley, coordinator of Hawaii Tobacco Quit Line, told the state's news channel KGMB9: "[The smoking ban] has tripled the amount of people that have called in for themselves to get information.

"Sometimes they just want to call and find out what we do and they're not ready yet and we can help them with that too."

Deborah Zysman of Tobacco Free Hawaii last month told the HawaiiChannel.com that she was supportive of the law.

"I think this is a huge step forward for public health in Hawaii and we are just ecstatic now that all workers in the state will be afforded a state smoke-free workplace," she said.