HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0593.027 2022-2024 P/PciSWt/
BILL IO2
Cow. 59;
Aloha Chair Kagiwada,Vice Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and members of the Policy
Committee on Health,Safety and Well-being.
ct
My name is Lillian Tao,and on the behalf of the youth of Hawaii, I strongly urge you to
support Bill 102 ending the sale of flavored tobacco.
As a middle schooler,who has grown up in Hilo and is currently attending one of the few.o
public schools, I have personallywitnessed how the use of tobacco has detrimentally3^''
affected our education.Everyday,me and my classmates endure the constant pervasive_
consequence of tobacco use in our community.Whether it was another peer,teacher,idol,
or loved one hooked or killed,it would always result in grief,frustration,or disbelief. Never
would it result in the" happiness"advertised by tobacco companies.These discussions
often lead to families and classes distracted or troubled by the potential danger they put
themselves,or their children,in for education.
It is shocking to learn that a group of my friends plan to move schools solely on the
purpose of avoiding these tobacco-related issues despite it meaning leaving family,
friends,sports,and their familiar concept of"home" behind.And as I recall,a handful of my
classmates had been homeschooled by their relatives.They had to sacrifice their jobs in
order to prevent the dangers public school shouldn't possess.As stated by King
Kamehameha III "Mine[Hawaii] is the kingdom of education"which highlights that
education is deserved by all in a safe area,uninterrupted by factors such as tobacco.
The extent of disruption of tobacco continues in public spaces.Areas created for family
and leisure,containing countless youth including infants,are now subject to play in heavy,
toxic,fumes involuntary. It is nearly impossible to now find a variety of safe yet enjoyable
places,untainted with smoke,where I can bring my friends or simply spend time with my
family.
Tobacco is responsible for more than 480,000 preventable deaths annually. By passing Bill
102,we can not only save countless lives,but also direct the tobacco funding of$241.4
billion per year towards helping our community and achieving success. Let us achieve a
healthy community and genuine happiness tobacco rids of.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify,
Lillian Tao
Hilo,HI
Comm. No. I b.
Ref. To: 2 12 W
Ref. Dote D'_ C - 5 2023