Maui Makes It Happen: Mayor Bissen Signs Bill 156

On December 23, 2024, a group of youth supporters were present in the Maui County Council Chamber as the Council unanimously passed Bill 156, which prohibits retailers from selling or marketing flavored tobacco products and mislabeling products as nicotine-free. Many of these same youth gathered again at the County Building on Friday, February 7, 2025, to celebrate the passage of the bill. The Mayor’s conference room was filled with supporters wearing bright pink to show their backing for the initiative, including students from several local schools, coalition members, and community advocates. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen shared his appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi (CTFH) for Maui, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi and commended the youth for their dedication and advocacy. With the legislative session in full swing, he also urged our state lawmakers to take action and continue the work by restoring counties’ authority to regulate the sale of tobacco products and protect their communities. Bill 156 states that the ordinance will take effect 42 days after the state repeals any statutes that preempt county ordinances regarding the sale of tobacco products.  

Prior to the December 23 hearing, Mayor Bissen met with a member from the CTFH Youth Council. During this meeting, he took the time to listen to the youth’s concerns and learn about how ending the sale of flavored tobacco products would help improve their health and secure a better future. 

In addition to the CTFH Youth Council and the Maui, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi Coalition, several other organizations joined in marking of the passage of the bill, including representatives from Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, Miss Lokelani USA, Miss Valley Isle Teen USA, youth from Pōmaika‘i Elementary School, Maui High School, Baldwin High School, Boys and Girls Club of Maui, BSA Troop 49 Aloha Council, and the Maui Family YMCA. Members of the CTFH Youth Council shared a few words about the impact of flavored tobacco products on their health and environment. One member from Maui High School thanked the Maui County Council members who supported their efforts, including Champion Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura. Another member from Baldwin High School shared a personal story about a friend he lost, expressing, “Her story haunts me, because I’ve seen how vaping can be more than a harmless habit—it’s often a gateway to deeper mental health issues and substance abuse.” Leslie Garo, CTFH for Maui, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi Coordinator, also spoke, emphasizing, “The work does not stop here. We will continue to move forward and fight for the future of our youth.” We are grateful for all of the hands, minds, and hearts that helped throughout this process. Maui County has done its part, and now we urge our state Legislature to do theirs. To get involved or learn more about the efforts of CTFH for Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi, please contact Leslie Garo, Coalition Coordinator, at leslie@hiphi.org.