Advocacy in Action: Take Down Tobacco Day 2025

Throughout the year, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i’s Youth Council has worked to raise awareness, educate, and advocate at the state and county levels to fight Big Tobacco and reduce youth e-cigarette use. Their efforts came together on Take Down Tobacco Day, formerly known as Kick Butt’s Day, held on March 19, 2025. Over 80 youth from more than 30 public and private schools across the state gathered during their Spring Break to advocate for ending the sale of flavored tobacco products.

The day began at Aloha Tower Marketplace at the Hawai‘i Pacific University Campus, where the youth participated in workshops covering the Youth Council’s policy priorities, how a bill becomes law, and the importance of messaging. They also had the opportunity to connect with peers, including those who traveled from Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, and Maui. After the morning sessions, they grabbed their bright posters and marched to the State Capitol to deliver their message to lawmakers.

For many, this was their first visit to the State Capitol. Lawmakers welcomed them in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, where students proudly stood as their schools were recognized. Afterward, the youth met Governor Josh Green in the rotunda and led him to Beretania Street, where he joined them in waving signs and advocating alongside other house representatives and senators. This drew attention from passing cars, many honked and waved in support.

Merice Jose, a longtime Youth Council member, led the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action rally. Addressing the crowd, she called on lawmakers to take action after HB 756, a bill to end the sale of flavored tobacco products, died in the Senate.

“We respectfully requested that HB 756 be heard and thoroughly considered by our lawmakers. We wanted the youth and the many community supporters to have the opportunity to be heard,” Merice said. “Instead, our voice was silenced, and HB 756 died without receiving a hearing in the Senate. Every year that our legislators don’t take action, we are allowing more and more youth to get addicted to tobacco products, trapping many of our classmates into a lifelong addiction to nicotine. This isn’t just a policy issue; it’s a matter of protecting our generation’s future. We can’t keep waiting, if the legislature will not take action, restore the counties’ authority to do so!”

Several leaders at the rally recognized the youth’s efforts, including Governor Josh Green, Attorney General Anne Lopez, Senator Brandon Elefante, Representative Scot Matayoshi, and Representative Lisa Marten. Governor Green praised their advocacy, saying, “Your advocacy is shaping policies that will protect future generations, and I applaud your leadership in making Hawai‘i a healthier place for all. Your passion for protecting our keiki from nicotine addiction is inspiring – you are the future, and you are making a difference.” Governor Green encouraged the youth to keep fighting, assuring them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed and they will soon see the policy changes they’ve worked for.

After the rally, the youth spent the afternoon meeting with over 60 senators and representatives in small groups to share their personal stories and discuss how tobacco, especially flavored e-cigarettes, affects their communities. These conversations helped the youth understand how they can continue to fight the youth vaping epidemic.

The Youth Council would like to thank the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the American Heart Association, Hina Mauka Teen Care, AlohaCare, the Department of Health, Hawai‘i Pacific University, and Hawai‘i Public Health Institute for helping make this day possible.