Oahu bans smoking at the beach

Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is one of the best known beaches in the world.

Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is one of the best known beaches in the world.

Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed into law two bills that ban smoking in public places on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, including beaches, parks, tennis courts, softball fields and public pools.

Municipal golf courses are excepted from the ban.

The laws will take effect on January 1, 2014.

It is already illegal on Oahu to smoke within six metres of entrances to stores, restaurants, bars and other workplaces on Oahu.

The law also bans smoking in the ocean in areas fronting public lands. Since 1993, smoking has been illegal at Oahu’s popular Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve snorkeling site.

E-cigarettes aren’t covered by the ban and can still be used on Oahu beaches.

First time offenders would face fines of $100. Fines for additional offenses escalate up to $500.

Another smoke-free beach area is the Caribbean island of Jamaica, which has also banned smoking tobacco on its beaches.