HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0593.057 2022-2024 p/Council
Sill0144.515
Date:January 9, 2024
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To: Honorable Chair Heather Kimball
Honorable Vice-Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba
Honorable Members of the Hawai'i County Council ~,
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Re: STRONG SUPPORT BILL 102
LAJ
Dear Honorable Chair Kimball,Vice-Chair Inaba, and Hawai'i County Council Members
My name is Jay Ihara and I'm the East Hawai'i Tobacco Free Coordinator with the Hawaii Public
Health Institute. I'm in strong support of Bill 102
Hawai'i County has many opportunities to live a healthy life. Beaches, surfing, sports, hiking,
fishing, and much more. It is known that nicotine is a highly addicting substance. Adding flavors
make it appealing to youth.Tobacco companies target people of color which includes Native
Hawaiians. Flavors including menthol reduce the harshness of nicotine and makes it easier for
the user to inhale.Just trying an e-cigarette can lead to addiction.The constant intake of
nicotine can lead to serious illness.The second and third smoke can lead to illness in non-
smokers and animals.
Hawaii is considered to be one the healthiest state in the United States. Prohibiting the sale of
flavored tobacco products will remove a source of chronic disease and death. It will help keep
Hawai'i a healthy place to live.
Sincerely,
Jay Ihara
jay@hiphi.org
Comm. No ( .5
Ref.To: ' I( I1,i an
Ref. Date MN 1 0 2024