A Hempstead official is fighting for free air at local gas stations.

Air at gas stations in the Town of Hempstead is supposed to be free -- it's been the law since 1978. The ordinance requires gas stations to provide free air if requested, but it doesn't prohibit businesses from soliciting money at the machine.

A large sticker on one air machine asks customers to insert coins. A much smaller sticker on the side informs customers that air is free upon request. Some believe this is misleading.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino is proposing an amendment that would ban gas stations from charging for air and make it free and readily available to customers.

"Many residents don't realize that the air is available for free upon request, if they go into the station, if they are aware and they go into the station and check with employees about getting free air. We have received complaints that employees are evasive saying that the owner isn't here, the manager isn't here right now," he says.

Tariq Khan, with the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association, owns three gas stations in the Town of Hempstead, and says the proposed amendment would be bad for customers and gas station owners who rely on the money to repair and maintain the machines.

The Long Island Gasoline Retail Association says that the Town of Hempstead is the only town on Long Island with a free air law.

A hearing on the proposed amendment is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.