#tobacco free hawaii

A measure that would restore the counties’ power to regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products and e-cigarettes appears to be stalled in the House Finance Committee, and it may die there Wednesday if no action is taken.

The campaign aims to reach and educate Hawai‘i youth, especially those ages 13-18, about the negative impact nicotine has on mental health through a multi-channel approach, delivering prevention messages to counter pro-vaping imagery on channels that feature pro-vape content, and inspire Hawai‘i’s youth to live vape-free.

Tobacco use claims 1,400 Hawaiʻi lives and costs the state $526 million in health care bills annually.

On July 1st, a new law goes into effect in Maui County that makes it illegal to smoke or vape in vehicles with children under the age of 18 present.  The fine for a first time violator is $200.

Here on Maui, students will be celebrating the event from noon to 5 p.m. on the Great Lawn of the Kahului campus with educational materials, entertainment and sign-waving in support of a Smoke-Free initiative to be voted on Friday at the University’s Academic Senate meeting.

Governor David Ige on Friday signed House Bill 525, which will make Hawai‘i state parks and beaches smoke-free. Using tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, at these facilities will be against the law, effective July 1, 2015.