As of November 16, 2006, work places and public areas in Hawai‘i will be smoke-free, protecting people from the risks of secondhand smoke.  This new law ensures that workers have a safe work place and that non-smoker, including children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory conditions can breathe smoke-free air in the public places they visit. Attached is an overview of Act 295, Hawai‘i Smoke-free Workplace and Public Place Law.  For a complete copy visit: www.hawaiismokefree.com. 

In the passage of the Hawai‘i Smoke-free Workplace and Public Place law (Act 295) there are restrictions on smoking at workplaces as well as public places.  This is an ideal time to help your co-worker to quit smoking.  Here is a list of tips to help your co-worker be successful:

• Express care. Skip the criticism.

Try saying,” I really care about you and I’m worried about your smoking.”
Talk about the reasons you are concerned.    
It’s ok to let them know you care but be careful not to criticize.

• Remember, the smoker will need to make the decision.

If your co-worker is not ready, you can’t talk him or her in to quitting.
Nagging, complaining or pressuring will probably backfire. It may even make it harder for the person to quit when he or she is ready.

• Ask how you can help.

If your co-worker is planning to quit, you can say “what can I do to help?”
If they are not ready to, let them know that you would like to support them when they do decide to quit.

• Be on call.

For some people, having a person they can talk to when they are craving a cigarette is helpful. If they need to talk often, reassure them that it is not a burden. “Tell them I want to help.”

• Offer encouragement.

Encourage even the small steps. Offer praise for thinking about quitting or cutting back
Give extra encouragement during the first few days of quitting.
You can say, “It’s wonderful that you are thinking about quitting” or “I noticed that you haven’t smoked today that’s great.

• Encourage non-smoking activities.

If you are going out together, suggest doing activity that does not include smoking.
Take a walk together. Play basketball or tennis. It is hard to smoke (or think about smoking) when you are being physically active.
During lunch and coffee break keep him or her busy with eating and talking on work related and other topics. 

• Be prepared for slips.

Quitting for good can take several tries. If your co-worker slip, don’t get made or disappointed. Say “It’s Ok. I know that you can do it. It just takes time.”

• Keep up the support.

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things a person can do. It can be hard for weeks, months or sometimes even years after quitting.
Celebrate one day, one week and one month without smoking. Go out to dinner or give a small gift.
Let your co-worker know how much it means to you that he or she no longer smoking.