Prohibit tobacco flavors in Hawaii

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Surgeon General, and Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all declared youth e-cigarette use to be an epidemic. E-cigarette use among high school students has risen by 78 percent in the last year and 48 percent among middle school students. Furthermore, e-cigarette use is most common among younger adults – not older adults. Action is needed to reverse these trends.

·       Hawaii middle school students ranks the highest in the nation to use e-cigarettes

·       Hawaii ranks the 2^nd highest state in the nation of high school students to use e-cigarettes

·       81% of youth who ever used tobacco products started with a flavored product

·       Over 15,500 unique e-cigarette flavors available, including menthol, to attract and addict new young smokers

We need to Strengthen State and Local Tobacco Control Measures to protect our youth and prevent a new generation of smokers.