Maui Youth Advocates Join in Kick Butts Day at Capitol

PC: Hawai’i Public Health Institute and Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawai’i.

Two youth advocates from Maui, Kawena Kekuewa and Christine Davis, are among 80 students traveling from across the state to participate in the Kick Butts Day rally at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

They have been involved in Maui County with spreading the word to schools and community organizations about the dangers of vaping.

The student message to lawmaker and government leaders is: “Big Vape: Stop Targeting Us!”

Organizers say the rally and press conference are in response to “Hawaiʻi’s youth vaping epidemic.”

Featured speakers include First Lady Dawn Ige and key legislators who will address the topic of youth vaping and urge the passage of legislation to end the sale and distribution of flavored tobacco products, including menthol.

HB276 HD2 seeks to prohibit the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, or e-liquids that are in violation of federal FDA labeling requirements or that market toward children. It also seeks a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products and prohibits mislabeling of e-liquid products containing nicotine. The measure also establishes fines and penalties for violations.

This rally and press conference are among hundreds taking place in all 50 states across the nation as part of national Kick Butts Day.