» » March 16, 2017 – Hawaii News Now A 2015 survey by the state Department of Health revealed that roughly one in every four Hawaii teenagers has used an E-cigs, a percentage higher than the national average.The data is the most current available, but judging by what’s happening on and near Hawaii high school campuses, a growing number of teens are vaping.Pick a popular spot, one where groups of students congregate, and you’ll see a common sight: teens passing around E-cigarettes like they’re sharing a bag of chips.“I started vaping since I was seventh grade,” said a tenth-grade student who, like the other students in this story, will not be identified by name.A friend of his did as well…[more] December 15, 2016 – Honolulu Star Advertiser Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation for the fifth year in a row, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2016 report.The state Department of Health said Hawaii has remained among the top five healthiest states in the foundation’s report since 2003.

Since the report’s inception, DOH said Hawaii’s rank has varied from first to sixth place.e cigarette humble txHawaii’s 2016 rank did not change from 2015, and it beat other top-scoring states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota and Vermont.e cigarette executive starter kitHawaii scored better than the national average.essentra e cigaretteFewer people were obese; more were insured; ; and there were fewer drug, cardiovascular and premature deaths…[more] November 18, 2016 – Honolulu Star Advertiser Hawaii’s adult smoking rate has dropped 17 percent in a decade to one of the lowest in the country, and the state will now focus its efforts on specific groups that haven’t kept up with the societal shift, including Native Hawaiians.e cigarette labege

“While we’ve made great strides in lowering smoking rates and improving related health outcomes, these benefits are not reaching everyone in our state,” said Dr. Keawe Kaholokula, who chairs the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii and the University of Hawaii medical school’s Department of Native Hawaiian Health.e cigarette ismokaHe spoke at an event Thursday at the Capitol marking the 10th anniversary of the passage of Hawaii’s Clean Indoor Air Act.e cigarette kauflandThe gathering celebrated the state’s progress and unveiled the state’s 2016-2020 plan to help “priority populations” avoid or overcome nicotine addiction.The adult smoking rate has fallen to 14 percent, down from 17 percent in 2005, propelled by a broad-based push to restrict the practice and help people quit.But the rate remains nearly twice as high for Native Hawaiians and people diagnosed with depression, at 27 percent, Health Department data show…[more] July 21, 2016 – Garden Isle News LIHUE — It is now illegal to smoke in the car with minors on Kauai.

On Wednesday July 20th, the Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve Bill No.2629, which prohibits smoking in cars with children under the age of 13.Supporters of the bill said it protects children from secondhand smoke by giving them a say in what happens around them.The council voted to pass the bill after councilman Ross Kagawa introduced an amendment that lowered the age to 13 and below from 18… Justin Kollar, prosecuting attorney for the County of Kauai, who supports the bill, said he is satisfied that the council was able to find a compromise.“I am glad that the council was able to come up with a bill that struck a good balance and protects both property rights and the health of our keiki,” he said.“This is definitely a step in the right direction and I thank all the advocates involved for their hard work in getting this done…”[more] June 10, 2016 – Hawaii News Now Some 45 percent of Hawaii public high school students reported using e-cigarettes at some point in their lives, and 1 in 4 said they had used them in the last 30 days, according to a newly-released survey.

The sobering statistics come as the use of regular cigarettes continues to decline among teens.Just 9 percent of Hawaii public high schoolers reported smoking at least once during the last 30 days.That’s down from 28 percent in 1993.The figures were included in an annual survey of teens’ health behaviors, and could spur more efforts to address e-cigarette use among teens.It’s the first time a question about e-cigarettes was included in the survey.Some 12,000 students in grades 6 through 12 participated…[more] Father’s Day is a day to celebrate dads for who they are and all of the wonderful things they do.It is also a great time for dads to remember the important role they play in influencing the choices their kids make regarding tobacco use.Unfortunately, tobacco use among men remains a serious problem: nearly one in seven men in Hawaii currently smoke, killing 800 every year.Dads who smoke can celebrate Father’s Day by quitting; and all dads—smokers and nonsmokers alike—can celebrate Father’s Day by taking a number of effective actions to protect their kids from becoming another one of the tobacco industry’s addicted customers and victims.

Even if they smoke, what dads say, how they act and the values they communicate through their words and actions greatly influence whether or not their kids will smoke.The Hawaii QuitLine offers free counseling and quit smoking aids and can be reached at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.May 26, 2016 – ABC News When you come upon an ocean bay that has features known as “Toilet Bowl” and “Witch’s Brew,” you may not envision a welcoming tropical oasis.But Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay, nestled inside a breeched volcanic cone on the southeastern shore of Oahu, has some of the state’s calmest waters, most pristine beaches and world-renowned snorkeling over coral reefs that teem with colorful fish.For the second year in a row, a beach in Hawaii has been selected as the best beach in America by a Florida professor who’s made a career ranking and studying beaches around the country.This year’s top spot goes to Hanauma Bay, a picturesque nature reserve with gin-clear, turquoise water and abundant sea life… Leatherman says Hanauma Bay was the first beach in the state to ban smoking because they found that fish were eating cigarette butts.

“We don’t really want these cigarette butts on the beaches anyway, because kids eat them, too,” Leatherman said.“They’re disgusting…”[more] May 12, 2016 – Honolulu Star Advertiser The known facts on the health effects of electronic cigarettes — “e-cigs” — are relatively few.In that context, the release of new regulations governing their manufacture and sale makes sense, as long as the process can be streamlined a bit to eliminate extraneous bureaucratic procedures.Oversight is especially needed concerning the production of the liquid that the battery-powered e-cig devices turn to gas for “vaping.” It’s impossible to gauge the health effects of vaping — and how they compare with the known threats of tobacco smoking — if authorities don’t know what’s being inhaled.The federal Food and Drug Administration last week announced the new regulations requiring, among other things, that manufacturers submit their products for a safety review.The review must disclose the precise ingredients comprising the liquid.

Under the rules, which are due to go into effect after a 90-day review, regulators also would check the device design for each flavor…[more] April 26, 2016 – Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate moms for who they are and all of the wonderful things they do.It is also a great time for moms to remember the important role they play in influencing the choices their kids make regarding tobacco use.Unfortunately, tobacco use among women remains a serious problem: over 18.5 million women currently smoke, an estimated 200,000 women die every year from smoking, and more than 86,000 kids have already lost their mom to smoking.Moms who smoke can celebrate Mother’s Day by quitting.And all moms, whether or not they smoke, can celebrate Mother’s Day by taking a number of effective actions to protect their kids from becoming another one of the tobacco industry’s addicted customers and victims…[more] April 8, 2016 – Honolulu Civic Beat Employees, visitors and patients at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation hospitals would be prohibited from smoking anywhere on the premises under a bill that is headed for Gov.

David Ige’s desk after it was approved 21-0 on the Senate floor on Friday.Senate Bill 305 would ban the use of tobacco and electronic smoking devices inside and outside of the 13 HHSC facilities in the islands.The HHSC facilities on Oahu are the Maluhia and Leahi hospitals and Kuhuku Medical Center.The bill would require displaying signs at all facility entrances and at prominent locations stating that “tobacco and electronic smoking device use is prohibited.” Smoking would also be prohibited in all visitor and employee parking lots.The measure defines electronic smoking devices as any electronic product that can be used to disperse and deliver nicotine or other substances to user.This includes but is not limited to electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars and hookahs.The measure was proposed during the 2015 legislative session, but was carried over to this year…[more] December 29, 2015 – KHON2 News With a new year will come a new law — Hawaii will soon make history as the first U.S.

state to raise the legal smoking age to 21.The new law goes into effect on Friday, January 1st.Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes or e-cigs, can only be sold to people who are at least 21 years old.New signs will be up in stores, telling customers about the new legal smoking age.“Anyone who looks under the age of 40, we ask for an I.D.,” said Ashley Agag, cashier at Times Supermarkets.Cashiers at Times will continue to do that, as the tobacco laws change.“People who do not look over 40, they actually have their I.D.ready, so I’m glad they’re prepared to show me their I.D.so I don’t really have to ask,” Agag said.Although other cities and counties in the nation have similar smoking age laws, Hawaii will become the first state to change the law..[more]December 11, 2015 – Voice of America For the fourth year in a row, Hawaii ranks as the healthiest state in the country, according to a new report.“Somehow, in Hawaii, individuals are certainly more prepared and prone to enhance their health,” said Dr. Reed Tuckson, a senior medical adviser to United Health Foundation, which produced the report.

”They have a favorable environment that people care a lot about and that environment supports healthy behaviors.” On average, people in the Aloha state tend to weigh less and , while also being more physically active…[more] September 30, 2015 – US News and World Report About three decades after Congress mandated a nationwide 21-year age limit for alcohol, 10 senators are proposing a bill that would similarly force jurisdictions across the country to block sales of tobacco products to young adults.The senators, all Democrats, introduced the Tobacco to 21 Act on Wednesday.It would establish the new national age limit and allow the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure compliance.Bill sponsor  (see photo) said in a statement that “by raising the minimum tobacco age of sale to 21 across the country, we can cut the number of new smokers each year; build a healthier, tobacco free America; and save lives…” [more] August 10, 2015 – UH NEWSRELEASE On Monday, August 3, 2015, Kapi’olani Community College was declared a Platinum Campus by the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, for being a tobacco-free campus.There are 10 regional Offices of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH), and Hawai’i belongs to Region IX.Upon presenting a special certificate of recognition, Betsy L. Thompson, MD, DrPH (see photo), who is the Deputy Regional Health Administrator for Region IX, announced that Kapi’olani CC is the first Platinum Campus in Hawai’i.There are only 16 Platinum Campuses in Region IX…[more] June 20, 2015 – PBS NEWSHOUR Gov.David Ige of Hawaii signed into law Friday a bill that raises the age at which people in Hawaii can legally purchase, smoke or possess cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.Although various local governments such as New York City have raised the legal smoking age in recent years, Hawaii is the first state to outlaw the sale and use of tobacco products to people under 21 years of age.Proponents of the minimum smoking age of 21 argue that many 18-year-olds brains are still developing, potentially making it more difficult for teenagers to make informed decisions about the known dangers of tobacco use… [more] April 24, 2015 – KITV News The Hawai’i Department of Health says it applauds Gov.

David Ige, members of the legislature, and partners statewide for passing and signing Act 19 (HB 940), which restricts the use of electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, in all locations where smoking is illegal.Act 19 upholds the protections created by Hawaii’s very successful Smoke-Free Workplace and Public Places Law, enacted in 2006.The signing of this historic legislation makes Hawaii the fourth U.S.state to have passed such a bill, after North Dakota, New Jersey, and Utah.“These products currently are not regulated and many of the hazardous components in cigarettes are also found in e-cigarette emissions,” said Director of Health Dr. Virginia Pressler.“Just as we found that smoking was dangerous after many years of unrestricted use, we could be unintentionally harming people as a result of not including e-cigarettes as part of our smoke-free laws…” [more] April 8, 2015 – Pacific Business News Hawaii Safeway pharmacies are partnering with the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Tobacco Quitline to encourage its patients to quit smoking… Hawaii Tobacco Quitline materials and referrals will now be distributed at 10 Safeway Pharmacy locations across the state.

Studies show that smokers who use the Quitline may be up to 14 times more likely to stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products once they quit, compared to those who kick the habit on their own… [more] March 2, 2015 – KHON2 News Cleaner air and a cleaner aina.That’s what University of Hawaii officials say a smoking ban will mean for their Manoa campus.On Monday, students learned that Manoa will become a smoke-free campus beginning July 1.That applies to all indoor and outdoor areas.Smoking will no longer be allowed around classrooms, dorms, athletic facilities and parking structures, and the campus will not have designated smoking areas.Ashtrays on campus will be removed and more “no smoking” signs will be put up… [more] February 17, 2015 – Hawaii News Now Since 2005, the Hawaii Tobacco QuitLine has helped 22,000 people stop smoking.Counselors field 400 calls a month from others wanting help.But the money that pays for the QuitLine and other cessation programs has dropped dramatically.

“We have to fight every year to keep those dollars,” Department of Health director Virginia Pressler said… [more] January 14, 2015 – West Hawaii Today Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill that makes Hawaii County the first in the state restricting the use of electronic cigarettes to the same places traditional tobacco cigarettes can be smoked.The bill had squeezed through the County Council last month on a 5-4 vote.Proponents praised the measure as a way to make Hawaii County healthier, especially for children.“I support the fact that the County Council and the administration promote Hawaii Island as a healthy island,” Kenoi said Tuesday.“This is for a healthier, safer Hawaii Island…” [more] January 4, 2015 – KITV News The new year is a time for resolutions and some may want to give up smoking.It is something Oahu started banning at beaches and parks a year ago.But how is that law working out?“I’ve seen a big difference in the amount of cigarette butts on the beach, sidewalks and on the coastlines,” said Kahi Pacarro, with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii… December 10, 2014 – KITV News E-cigarettes have been marketed as a way to help smokers stop using traditional smokes, but experts at the Hawaii Department of Health say neither one’s any good for you.

The health department just released the Hawaii Youth Tobacco Survey and the results are mixed.While tobacco use among middle & high school students has dropped over the past 10 years, Lowery St. John says, “E-cig use has tripled among our high school students.Quadrupled among middle school students and that’s from 2011… October 13, 2014 – Health Department Memo Electronic cigarettes, also known as electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes, are now prohibited in all state government buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).The new policy went into effect this month and is part of the State of Hawaii’s commitment to keep workplaces and public locations smoke-free.The policy sets the tone for private sector employers and others in the community to follow.“Based on various tests, vapors or aerosols emitted from e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other carcinogens and toxic chemicals that are just as harmful as those in secondhand smoke of regular combustible cigarettes,” said Linda Rosen, director of the Hawaii Department of Health.

“It’s important that consumers be aware that e-cigarettes are not healthier than regular cigarettes, for users or those surrounding them…” October 2, 2014 – Hawaii News Now and KITV-News An acknowledged heavy smoker living in Moanalua may be swearing off e-cigarettes after the charging device caught fire, scorching part of her apartment.Worldwide, there have been about ten documented e-cig explosions and fires…[see news story] Along with the rise in the popularity of e-cigarettes, there has been a big increase in the number of young children poisoned by liquid nicotine.It is not just a trend happening in other parts of the country.It is also happening in Hawaii….“In 2013, there were 17 calls to poison control about children who were exposed to nicotine fluid or the liquid from e-cigarettes containing nicotine,” said Dr. Al Bronstein, with the Hawaii Poison Control Center… [see video transcript] July 24, 2014 – KHON2 TV News Some Honolulu City Council members are trying to raise the age of those who can buy tobacco products on Oahu.

Council member Stanley Chang and Chair Ernie Martin introduced a bill Thursday that would raise the minimum age from 18 to 21.Similar moves have been made in other parts in the United States including the Big Island.“Why are you proposing this?” KHON2 asked.“Tobacco is one of the leading killers in the United States and 95% of all smokers become addicted when they’re under the age of 21,” Chang said.Chang believes raising the legal age to buy tobacco products would save lives.It would also follow in the footsteps of the Big Island, where a similar law just began three weeks ago… [news video] July 1, 2014 – Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii County as of now prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under age 21, becoming only the fourth municipality in the country to do so.While 18-year-olds will no longer be legally permitted to buy even electronic cigarettes on Hawaii island, it’s the retailers whose feet will be held to the fire… Proponents of the new law said an age-21 minimum for smoking is a growing trend.

“It is starting to catch on,” (Jessica) Yama­uchi said.“Hawaii island is first (in the state).It was introduced at the state Legislature this past legislative session.It passed through one committee on each side and just didn’t get another hearing….” May 22, 2014 – TODAY Travel A Honolulu beach named for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the Olympic gold medal swimmer known as the “father of modern surfing,” has claimed the top spot in the list of annual “Top 10 Beaches 2014” released today by Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a.Beach…” Kahanamoku Beach had the number two spot on Leatherman’s list last year and has been on the top 10 list often.What may have helped it snag the number one slot this year is that in January, Oahu made all beaches on the island non-smoking.“Cigarette butts in the sand are disgusting,” said Leatherman.“Some people think beaches are a giant ashtray, and I don’t like that idea at all.When I go the beach, I go for nature.I don’t want to have to put my hand down on a cigarette butt someone else was smoking…” Local health leaders including Director of Health Linda Rosen MD recognized  CVS Caremark for their policy to stop selling cigarettes at their Hawaiʻi CVS Longs branches and 7,600 nation wide stores.

Accepting the award was CVS Caremark Executive Vice President Jonathan C. Roberts.The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids also recognized CVS Caremark with its highest honor, the Champion Award, for the company’s leadership in the fight to reduce the devastating toll of tobacco use in the United States.A bill that effectively bans tobacco use at county parks, beaches and recreational facilities in Maui County, passed second and final reading on Tuesday; Earth Day, in the Maui County Council.The bill gained approval after the receipt of more than 400 letters of testimony since the bill was introduced 42 days ago.“I applaud all of those involved in inspiring this bill, especially those students actively engaged in the civic process to bring about change as they recognize it would be better in their community.Your commitment to this cause is moving,” said Council Member Don Guzman, who introduced the bill… [news article] April 4, 2014 – Hawaii News Now There are growing concerns tonight over e-cigarettes.

That’s because calls into the poison control hotline have spiked from people, especially kids, ingesting the chemicals.E-cigarette makers say their product is safer than tobacco, however the number of accidents with the e-cigarette refill is growing here in Hawaii and nationwide.Cotton candy, apple candy, Skittles, e-cigarettes come in all sorts of tastes.“The flavors are enticing to kids,” said Rex Benigno, 808 Smokes Owner.They smell sweet too, but kids may not realize it can make them sick or worse.Depending on the concentration and the size of the person it could only take about a tablespoon of the liquid to be fatal.So far we’ve been very lucky,” said Dr. Al Bronstein, Hawaii Poison Hotline… [news video] March 4, 2014 – KHON TV news The electronic cigarette business has boomed over the last few years, but the popular alternative to regular cigarettes is landing in the wrong hands.Retailers claim e-cigarettes are healthier for smokers because they don’t contain some of the chemicals that regular cigarettes do.

You can smoke different flavors and still get a nicotine fix.But now, KHON2 has uncovered alarming reports that kids as young as seven years old have been caught smoking e-cigs.While it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy e-cigs, it’s not illegal for underage kids to smoke them.Children who get their hands on e-cigs can actually use them without getting in trouble… [news video] February 27, 2014 – Honolulu Star-Advertiser editorial After all, our public educational institutions are more than mere state agencies.They are models for our youth.Tobacco use is the single-largest preventable cause of disease and death in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Health.Clearly, the model we should encourage is tobacco-free.This is all the more important knowing that 95 percent of smokers acquire the habit by age 21, according to the National Cancer Institute, which reports that adolescents and young adults are more likely to use tobacco than older people because they are more willing to take risks, are more influenced by social pressure and are highly susceptible to advertising… [full editorial] January 27, 2014 – Honolulu Star-Advertiser editorial Hawaii’s beaches rank high on the list of the state’s finest assets, which is why community leaders here are right to rail against treating them like ashtrays.

Smoking represents a threat to public health and, when cigarette refuse is lapped up in the waves, a poison for marine life.The instinct to safeguard the shoreline has produced smoking bans at Oahu and Hawaii island beach parks.But much more needs to be done, and soon, with the advent of new tourism markets being tapped in China and other countries where smoking is even more prevalent than it is here.Until Friday, the efforts had included a proposal before the state Legislature for a ban encompassing all beaches in the islands.House Bill 325 got its first hearing last week before the House Water and Land Committee and the Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs.The measure was killed, and unless there’s an extraordinary effort to revive the issue, Hawaii will have to wait at least another year to take this bold policy step… [full editorial] January 1, 2014 – KITV News A new smoking ban goes into effect on Oahu on January 1st, making it illegal to smoke in all Honolulu city parks.

December 20, 2013 – KITV News Beginning January 1st Electronic cigarette users cannot puff in Department of Health properties or premises occupied by its employees.December 11, 2013 – Honolulu Star Advertiser Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation, while Mississippi brings up the rear, according to the 2013 America’s Health Rankings released today.The 50th state has consistently ranked near the top in the long-running index issued by United Health Foundation, which provides a comprehensive look at the well-being of each state.Hawaii placed second last year and third the year before… Relatively low rates of smoking and obesity in the islands and high rates of health coverage and childhood immunization helped lift Hawaii to the top of the list… [full article] November 21, 2013 – Hawaii News Now The Big Island will become the first county in the state to ban sales of tobacco products to anyone 21 and under.The county council unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that makes it illegal for retailers to market cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone under the legal drinking age.

Only three other cities in the country have approved a 21 and under tobacco sales ban.“This is a historic bill,” said Big Island Councilman Dru Kanuha, who authored the bill… [news video] September 26, 2013 – KHON2 News Should e-cigarettes be treated the same as tobacco products when it comes to where they can be used, and even how they’re advertised?Hawaii’s Attorney General is joining the push to make that happen.June 27, 2013 – KITV News A new law takes effect on Thursday.There is now an age limit in Hawaii to purchase an electronic cigarette.May 6, 2013 – Honolulu Star Advertiser Tenants caught smoking three times or more in apartments or common areas at any of the state’s 85 public housing properties could be evicted under a tough new smoking ban effective this month.While each project will have at least one designated smoking area, the plan is drawing resistance from some residents, who say it is overly broad and especially difficult for the elderly, disabled and mentally ill.