Executive Policy 10.102 Executive Policy 10.102



Title

Tobacco Products

Header

Executive Policy Chapter 10, Land and Physical Facilities
Executive Policy EP 10.102, Tobacco Products
Effective Date:  October 2014
Prior Dates Amended:  January 2003, April 2012
Responsible Office:  Vice President for Administration
Governing Board of Regents Policy RP 2.202 Duties of the President
Review Date:  August 2019

I. Purpose

The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and working environment and to promoting the health and wellbeing of the campus community.  This policy establishes system wide parameters for a healthy, safe and smoke-free environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University.  The purpose and objective of this policy is to adhere to and comply with the applicable statutory laws and mandates governing smoking including, but not limited to, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), Chapter 328J, as may be amended from time to time.  The University shall comply with all subsequent amendments to Chapter 328J, HRS, as applicable.

II. Definitions

A. "Smoking," as defined in HRS Chapter 328J-1, means inhaling or exhaling the fumes of tobacco or any other plant material, or burning or carrying any lighted smoking equipment for tobacco or any other plant material. 

B. "Tobacco product" means any substance that contains tobacco, including, but not limited to, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, smoking tobacco, and smokeless tobacco.

III. Executive Policy

    It is the policy of the University to provide a safe and healthy learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  In recognition of the scientifically proven harms associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, University community members have a right not to be exposed to smoke- contaminated air.  Our community is best served by policies that reduce tobacco product use initiation, reduce consumption among current users, and support cessation efforts among current users who wish to quit.

    A. Protection from Secondhand Smoke Exposure

        Chancellors, in consultation with their respective campus communities, must select one of the two options below for protecting faculty, staff, students and visitors from the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke:

        1. Smoking shall be prohibited in the following areas:

            a. All enclosed or partially enclosed areas, including buildings and vehicles owned, rented, leased or operated by the University;

            b. In building courtyards, breezeways, and terraces, on exterior stairways and access ramps, and outdoor dining patios, terraces, and lanais;

            c. Within 20 feet of building entrances and exits;

            d. Within 20 feet of windows that open and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed or partially enclosed area where smoking is prohibited;

            e. Within 50 feet of designated pick-up and drop-off points for campus and public bus transportation;

            f. Within the gates of the University's outdoors sports and performing arts stadiums and arenas, including walkways, corridors, and seating areas; and

            g. Any area that has been designated by the person having control of the area as a non-smoking area and marked with a no smoking sign.

        2. In lieu of option 1 above, Chancellors, in consultation with their respective campus communities and after meeting the obligations detailed in Section IV below, may elect to designate their campus as completely smoke-free, meaning that smoking is prohibited entirely on premises and in all facilities associated with and occupied by the respective campus.

    B. Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Support for Cessation

        University administrators are encouraged to support tobacco use prevention education programs that discourage the initiation of tobacco product use and to assist tobacco product users who are trying to quit.  This shall include supporting prevention and education initiatives that encourage non-use and address the risks of tobacco product use, as well as programs and services that include practical steps to quit using tobacco products on campus.

        Employees seeking tobacco product cessation guidance should be encouraged to avail themselves of the support services offered through their healthcare providers (e.g. HMSA’s QuitNet program or Kaiser Permanente’s HealthMedia Breathe programs) and/or to the State Department of Health’s Tobacco Quitline.  Supervisors are encouraged to approve an employee’s request for authorized leave to participate in smoking cessation programs, if necessary.

    C. Marketing and Promotion of Tobacco Products on Campus

        1. All advertising and sales of tobacco products on University campuses are prohibited.  This section shall not apply to the sale or free distribution of non-University supported magazines and newspapers that incidentally contain tobacco product advertising.

        2. The distribution of samples of tobacco products or coupons redeemable for tobacco products on University campuses is prohibited.

        3. The sponsorship of campus events or campus organizations by tobacco industry or tobacco promoting organizations is prohibited.

    D. Signage

        Campuses are responsible for posting and maintaining clear and recognizable signage indicating the locations of designated smoking, if applicable, and non-smoking areas.  Ashtrays and other cigarette butt receptacles shall be removed from non-smoking areas or relocated to areas where smoking is permitted.

    E. Complaint Procedure

        This policy applies to the entire university community, including faculty, staff, students and visitors. While it relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers and will not be enforced through disciplinary measures, other University policies and State laws and rules may be applicable.

        The Vice President for Administration shall be responsible for policy implementation and compliance in collaboration with chancellors.  Questions, comments, or complaints relating to this policy and/or its implementation should be directed to each respective chancellor or designee.  Members of the campus community may voluntarily report alleged violations of this policy to the respective chancellor or designee or to campus security.

        In lieu of adverse personnel actions, violations of this policy shall be addressed through appropriate education and, if necessary, through local law enforcement in accordance with §328J-11, HRS.  Violators may be subject to fines and penalties in accordance with §328J-12, HRS.

IV. Delegation of Authority

Chancellors intending to designate their respective campuses and facilities as completely smoke-free, meaning that smoking is prohibited entirely on premises and in all facilities associated with the respective campus as described in Section III. A. 2. above must ensure the following notifications and obligations are met prior to implementation of such a designation:

    A. All three unions (UHPA, HGEA and UPW) shall be advised of the campus’/college’s intended smoke-free designation at least 60 calendar days prior to the effective date of such a change.

    B. The college/campus must inform all current personnel in writing, either electronically or by hard copy, of the change in designation at least 30 calendar days prior to the effective date of the change.  The notice to employees must include the effective date of the change, a description of the smoke-free areas, a list of available smoking cessation resources, and identification of a campus/college contact for questions and concerns.

V. Contact Information

Office of Human Resources
(808) 956-8458
OHR Website

Office of the Vice President for Administration
Telephone: (808) 956-6405
Email:  vpadmin@hawaii.edu

VI. References

    A. Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 328J
    B. Link to superseded Executive Policies in old format https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/archives/ep/
    C. Link to Administrative Procedures in old format https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/archives/apm/sysap.php

VII. Exhibits and Appendices

No Exhibits and Appendices found

Approved

    Signed    
    David Lassner    
    October 31, 2014    
    Date    
    President

Topics

No Topics found.


Attachments

None