Staff Writer Princeville resident Kip Ellsworth develops asthma attacks whenever second-hand cigarette smoke floats into his Ali’i Kai Condominium One unit from neighboring units. Now Ellsworth says he is ready to take action against the problem before his health worsens.
Staff Writer
Princeville resident Kip Ellsworth develops asthma attacks whenever second-hand cigarette smoke floats into his Ali’i Kai Condominium One unit from neighboring units.
Now Ellsworth says he is ready to take action against the problem before his health worsens.
Ellsworth said he will ask fellow board members of the Ali’i Kai Condominium Association to change the bylaws to restrict smoking at the 57-unit condominium project.
If adopted the restriction would be the first of its kind for a residential project in Hawai’i, Ellsworth said.
A presentation will be made at a board meeting at 9 a.m. on March 4 at the Princeville Club house.
“I don’t know if I will have the support of the owners. Right now I am the Lone Ranger on this,” said Ellsworth, who is recommending the change.
The condominium project was built about 30 years ago, but the effects of second-hand smoke, related to respiratory problems, have become a major problem in recent years, Ellsworth said.
Ellsworth said he will be sleeping at 2 a.m. when smoke from a neighboring unit will go through the wall or window and “I wake up with an asthma attack.”
“I have lived here the past five years, and the effects of my health is that I can’t continue to live there unless something is done,” Ellsworth said.
The units are mostly private owned and occupied, but some units are rented to tourists who smoke, Ellsworth said.
“This (the proposed rule change) is controversial, but it is about time something is being done to address the sacred cow of smoking.”
