Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) will work with Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health to review health risks for AACI’s smoking area and consider relocating it.

The designated smoking area at Rarotonga International Airport, located across the terminal (near the car park), has become a concern to those waiting under the trees.

Concerns have been raised by people regarding exposure to second hand smoke in the seating area, with the prevailing wind exacerbating the issue by directing the smoke towards them.

A Cook Islander, who wished not to be named, and is sensitive to the smell of smoke, shared with Cook Islands News that “second hand smoking is as bad as first-hand smoking”.

The newspaper has reached out to AACI, inquiring about the current situation with the smoking area at the airport.

According to AACI, they were unaware of this issue, however, they will now be working to address the community’s needs.

Nikau Tangaroa, chief executive officer of AACI, said they would review the health risks of the airport’s designated smoking area and consider relocating it.

“We will work with TMO officials and understand the known and potential risk with the existing smoking area and agree on a decision to either relocate or remain as is (we need to consider all factors prior to any decision),” Tangaroa said.

The decision regarding the current designated smoking area was reached through collaboration and with the agreement of TMO officials.

“The safety and wellbeing of our AACI staff, passengers and all airport users/stakeholders are our utmost priority and therefore we would continuously work with key agencies to review commentary and feedback on the airport operations (both landside and airside area),” Tangaroa said.