HONOLULU — Governor Ige vetoed House Bill 1296 today that would have repealed Hawaii’s successful Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund. Following is a statement from Cynthia Au, Hawaii government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:
“Hawaii has a long and successful history of reducing tobacco use. Preserving this critical funding will allow us to continue to counter the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing in our communities and save more lives.
“Well-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs are one of the most effective ways to help adults quit using tobacco and protect youth from starting. Although we’ve made great progress over the past two decades, the work is far from over. Nearly 31% of Hawaii’s keiki use e-cigarettes and tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death—making the need for strong tobacco control funding more important than ever.
“Mahalo to Governor Ige for prioritizing this lifesaving program that will help protect us from the harms of tobacco use for generations to come.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.