Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are expressing their support to increase the cigarette tax by at least $1 per pack after recent legislative action taken by committees in the Hawaii House and Senate. Raising the tax on cigarettes would not only reduce tobacco use and save lives, but it would also boost revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, which is vital for cancer research and access to life-saving treatments.
Cynthia Au, ACS CAN Hawaii Government Relations Director, issued the following statement in support of a tax increase:
“We are encouraged by the state legislature’s willingness to prioritize the health of our communities. Increasing the tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack would help generate more than $10 million dollars in new annual revenue. More importantly, a higher tax would reduce youth smoking by nearly 7% and help 2,000 adults who smoke quit, ultimately saving more lives.
“Increasing taxes on cigarettes also means more revenue for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center which is the foundation for research and potentially life-saving treatments in Hawaii. ACS CAN’s mission is to end the cancer burden for everyone in Hawaii. The cancer center plays a vital role in screening, prevention, treatment, and education.
“Our organization stands ready to work with lawmakers to strengthen tobacco control in our state.”