HONOLULU -- While the polls show the majority support a ban of smoking, it's an issue of health versus rights.

Nearly 50 percent of voters polled said they strongly favor a ban, 16 percent are somewhat in favor of a ban, while 27 percent are against a ban.

(Click here for smoking ban poll.)

Empty tables at Tanaka of Tokyo's restaurant in Waikiki have become a painful reminder of the effects of Sept. 11.

"It's bounced back a little bit, but it's still a matter of survival for us," said Chester Kaneshiro of Tanaka of Tokyo.

POLL RESULTS Complete Poll

Kaneshiro said 70 percent of his customers are Japanese tourists and most of them smoke.

He said banning smoking in restaurants could snuff out many establishments in Waikiki.

"I'm sure I speak for all the Waikiki restaurants and retailers, it's been a real struggle since Sept. 11 and this is absolutely the worst possible time to have something like this passed," Tanaka said.

However, the American Cancer Society's Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii said banning smoking in restaurants is a health issue.

"Workers have to work in this area too, and we have good laws to protect in all other environments except restaurants and nightclubs," said Cliff Chang of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii.

Jennifer Chong believes her years in college working in a restaurant where smoking was allowed worsened her respiratory problems as an adult.

"I think it's a pretty reasonable conclusion to make especially given the situation if I currently go in to a real smoky area then my asthma symptoms are aggravated and I definitely have to use an inhaler," Chong said.

Her 2-year-old son has asthma too.

For smoker Bob Speck, a restaurant smoking ban is an infringement on individual rights.

"Unfortunately we have a City Council that wants to enforce their lifestyle on ours," Speck said.

With 60 percent of Honolulu's restaurants already smoke free, restaurant owners and smokers say there are ample choices to work and eat. Speck said his choice is simple.

"If they don't have a smoking section then I don't go to the restaurant," Speck said.

The bill banning smoking in restaurants as of July is just one vote away from a full council decision.

The proposal also bans smoking from bars located inside restaurants starting July 2003.