A PSA For Youth, By Youth

Attorney Generals at the Triennial Conference watching CTFH Youth Council members speak.

The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai’i Youth Council has long championed tobacco prevention efforts, dedicating countless hours to educating decision makers and communities about the dangers of tobacco. Their advocacy has helped advance multiple prevention laws across the state, and their voice remains as influential as ever. Recognizing the council’s impact, leaders asked them to create a public service announcement (PSA) for youth, by youth.

Attorney General Anne Lopez, a strong supporter of the Youth Council and its work to address the youth vaping epidemic, formally requested the PSA for her office—an invitation the youth eagerly accepted. Although the Leadership Team is spread across several islands, they quickly got to work. 

With limited videography experience, the council first focused on how to best convey their message. The Attorney General’s office connected them with a youth group with PSA experience and known for award-winning videography skills. Learning from them, the Youth Council honed in on the central message they wanted their audience to remember.

Ultimately, the youth chose to empower their peers, encouraging them to make healthy choices and say no to vaping, even amid constant pressure. They wanted to highlight the strength young people have to stand up for themselves and inspire positive change.

The council brainstormed several concepts, from humorous ideas like “breaking up” with a vape as if it were a toxic partner, to more serious approaches featuring real stories from youth who have experienced pressure to start vaping. Through discussion and collaboration, they developed a storyline inspired by real experiences in Hawai’i, one that shows how change is possible.

The Youth Council remains committed to creating a PSA that will make a meaningful impact. We hope to showcase the final PSA at Take Down Tobacco Day on March 18, 2026. Watch the PSA at Take Down Tobacco Day video below to see how the CTFH Youth Council developed and presented their PSA process at the Triennial Conference for state attorneys general.