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Hawai‘i Public Health Institute (HIPHI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports and promotes policy efforts to create a healthy Hawai‘i. Candidates were surveyed about their positions on various health-related issues and potential policies for informational purposes only. The survey was sent to all candidates that filed papers to run for office, based on the Office of Elections website.

Candidates were asked if they support or oppose various policies, with the option to explain their responses. Click on a candidate’s name to view their full survey responses. Responses are organized by topic: Tobacco and Vaping, Food and Nutrition, Active Living, and Other.

Key

+ SUPPORT

– OPPOSE

BLANK = NO RESPONSE

Party indicated in parenthesis:

C = Constitution
D = Democratic
G = Green
L = Libertarian
NP = Nonpartisan
R = Republican

TOBACCO & VAPING

Electronic smoking devices (ESDs) are any electronic product that is used to aerosolize and deliver nicotine or other substances. Other names for these devices include e-cigarettes, vapes, mods, etc. Use of these products among youth has skyrocketed – the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 42 percent of Hawai‘i high school students have “ever used an electronic smoking device.” Taxation is one of the most effective methods to prevent and reduce smoking, especially among youth. Currently, electronic smoking devices are considered tobacco products by law, yet currently are not subject to a tobacco tax. The statements below are related to tobacco and electronic smoking device policies.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Obesity is a growing concern within Hawai‘i. Policies that create environments that encourage healthy eating habits may help to reduce the burden of obesity and chronic disease. Some examples include Farm to School programs and reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (beverages with added caloric sweeteners).

ACTIVE LIVING

Physical activity is also a critical component of obesity and chronic disease prevention. Only 15.4 percent of high school and 20.2 percent of middle school students in Hawai‘i meet national physical activity recommendations. Physical education in schools is important to help youth develop life-long healthy habits. Physical activity can also be encouraged by improving the physical environment to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities (Complete Streets Policies).

OTHER

Hawai‘i has a received a failing grade in recent oral health reports for the lack of preventive dental benefits for adults and children. Lawmakers were asked questions on policies and programs that can help to improve the oral health of Hawai‘i residents.

Hawai‘i Public Health Institute (HIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit that educates, supports, and promotes policy efforts to improve health in Hawai‘i. HIPHI is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office. Endorsement of any candidate is strictly prohibited.

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