HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0447.016 2012-2014 PI GouNCZL
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Murashige, Laura
From: Anna Pickering [vigeland @hawaii.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 10:30 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Support Bill 135--Raise the Age of Sale of Tobacco Products to 21
Dear Hawaii County Council Members,
I strongly support Bill 135, raising the age of sale of tobacco products to 21. A person
who reaches the age of 21 without developing a tobacco addiction is much less likely to
start a habit during the rest of their lifetime. Making this change is pertinent to
maintaining a healthy Hawaiian public.
What many people do not realize is that the use of tobacco products harms not only the
users, but is a real danger to others around them. I myself have asthma and other
respiratory complications, and can easily get sent into an attack if I encounter smokers
while walking to class, out shopping, waiting for the bus, etc. I know that there are
many others like me who wish that they had the freedom to live their lives without the
worry of somebody else' s addiction causing them serious health problems (asthma is the
number one reason why children are admitted to the hospital in the United States) .
If we can prevent easily impressionable young adults from developing a tobacco addiction,
we are not only giving them a greater future, but are improving the health and well-being
of the rest of the Hawaiian population as well. This is something we owe to our families,
friends, and our state to do.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anna Pickering
701 Ilalo St. Room 330K
Honolulu, HI 96813
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1 Ref. Date NOV 0 6 2013