Take Down Tobacco Day 2026

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 state come together to advocate for stronger tobacco prevention and control policies.

Held during Spring Break, this year’s event united students from across Hawaiʻi, including those from neighbor islands, for a day focused on learning, connection, and advocacy. The morning at Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Aloha Tower Marketplace featured workshops on the legislative process, Youth Council priorities, and effective communication. It was also a valuable opportunity to meet fellow young advocates dedicated to protecting their generation.

Following the workshops, youth took their posters to the State Capitol, where the excitement of the day increased. For many, this was their first Capitol visit, and lawmakers from both chambers recognized them. The group then gathered in the rotunda for a press conference and rally before meeting directly with district decision-makers.

While the structure of the day felt familiar to previous years, the focus this year marked an important shift. Instead of rallying around flavored tobacco bans, Take Down Tobacco Day centered on HB 2121, a bill that would end the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in Hawaiʻi. These products are not only highly addictive and widely used by youth, but they also pose a serious threat to our environment due to their plastic components, lithium-ion batteries, and toxic waste.

This year also brought a meaningful change to the rotunda press program. Instead of focusing on the grim status of legislation as in years past, youth wrote and delivered their own press script. Their words delivered urgency, honesty, and a clear call for lawmakers to listen.

Iwalani Jones, a youth from Hawaiʻi Island, opened by quoting climate activist Greta Thunberg: “I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.” She continued, reminding the crowd that “youth have so much more power than they realize, and it’s important we use our experiences and our power to make the well-needed change.”

Maya Butts followed with a message rooted in determination and hope: “I hope that we can build a safer and tobacco-free Hawaiʻi. I am ready to move from a student observing the problem to a leader actively dismantling it for the generations that follow.”

Throughout the program, youth made it clear they are tired of being targeted by the harmful and deceptive practices of the tobacco industry. Their words reflected frustration and a deep commitment to leading change for their generation.

Governor Josh Green followed the youth speakers, sharing personal stories about his own children and expressing his support for the movement. He emphasized how important it is that young people are leading this fight to protect their peers from Big Tobacco. His continued support has been meaningful for many Youth Council members, reinforcing that their voices are being heard at the highest levels of leadership.

Attorney General Anne Lopez also spoke, reflecting on her years of working alongside the Youth Council. Through her Tobacco Enforcement Unit, she has helped youth better understand the complexities of tobacco laws, including the challenges of regulating products like disposable e-cigarettes. The Youth Council remains committed to supporting her efforts to protect Hawaiʻi’s keiki from predatory industry practices.

Legislative champions, including Representative Jeanne Kapela and Senator Tim Richards, also addressed the group, sharing why they are fighting to pass policies like HB 2121 and SB 2175. Both emphasized the importance of uplifting youth voices and protecting not only their health, but also the environment they will inherit.

The day continued with youth meeting lawmakers in small groups, sharing personal stories and advocating for change. These conversations allowed students to speak directly with decision-makers and see how policy takes shape. Youth frequently cite these meetings as their favorite part, often mentioning specific lawmakers in their evaluations.​

The press conference closed with remarks from Youth Council member Jeremiah Jacinto, who reminded everyone why youth voices matter: “Tobacco companies have historically targeted youth, and too often policies are discussed without hearing from the very people most impacted.”

Jeremiah’s closing words resonated, as youth left feeling empowered to advocate not just for themselves, but for their communities. These advocates are driving real change for Hawaiʻi’s health and environment, showing that the next generation is leading efforts to improve health outcomes and protect ʻāina from e-cigarette waste.

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.