Hawai‘i State Attorney General Anne Lopez addressing the crowd at the State Capitol on Take Down Tobacco Day, March 18, 2026. Since 2017, the rising rate of e-cigarette use among Hawai‘i youth has been a major concern for the Coalition…
After every legislative session, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Youth Council gathers to celebrate wins and reflect on the challenges of the year. Last session, both bills aimed at ending flavored tobacco sales died early, continuing a long pattern…
The passage of SB 2175 at the Hawai‘i State Legislature has put an end to the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. This may encourage current users of disposable e-cigarettes to consider quitting. Quitting the use of tobacco products can be difficult…
There is no shortage of incredible youth on our island who have the passion and ability to change the world. This is something we see year after year at Take Down Tobacco Day, when nearly 100 youth from across the…
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i (CTFH) interviewed Iokepa “Kepa” Na‘ole of Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui to gain insights into their efforts to reduce tobacco use among youth on Maui. CTFH: Aloha Kepa, thank you for agreeing to…
From left to right: Kūlia Numazawa-Laranio (9th grade, Kanu O Ka ‘Aina Charter School), Tapu Hakaumotu (2025 Kaua‘i High School graduate), and Caleb Saiki-Fabro (8th grade, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School) attended the January 7 Kaua‘i County Council meeting at the…
By Bev Brody, Get Fit Kaua‘i Something remarkable happened on Haleko Road in mid-January. Over three days, community members from across the island gathered for the Haleko Road Design Community Charrette—a collaborative process that went beyond corridor planning and centered…
Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Island is a coalition of government agencies, health providers, schools, community organizations, and residents working together to reduce tobacco use and limit the harms of smoking and vaping across Hawai‘i Island. The coalition focuses on providing education and…
Efforts to improve statewide transportation safety and accessibility took center stage in early January, as the Oʻahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) convened local leaders, community partners, and experts for a three-day Transportation Tour, Forum, and Legislative briefing. The event began…
Partnership and collaboration are essential pillars of the Maui community. By working together—local families, businesses, nonprofits, cultural leaders, and government organizations—Maui strengthens its resilience and honors its commitment to caring for one another. These partnerships bring diverse perspectives to the…
Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i (TFK) and Ho‘okele Coalition are partnering to host a Youth Advocacy Training in the new year. This is an opportunity for young people to build confidence, strengthen their civic voice, and help shape a healthier future for Kaua‘i…
The Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Island (TFHI) coalition met on September 26, 2025, to determine its priorities for the year ahead. The meeting was facilitated by Dave Nakashima, and informed by insights from Kevin Ramirez, Program Manager for the Coalition for a…