Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Island (TFHI) coalition partners promoting a smoke-free Hawai‘i Island: Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center and Hāmākua-Kohala Health

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 due to nicotine, a highly addictive psychoactive drug found in tobacco products. Its addictive strength is similar to heroin or cocaine, because it quickly and significantly affects how the brain works. There are many commercial options that contain nicotine, such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and more. Whether synthetic or derived from tobacco plants, any of these products can cause the user to become addicted. 

Nicotine addiction is difficult to quit. Tobacco cessation programs offer structured support to help individuals quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products through personalized plans, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapies. The Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Island Coalition works in partnership with organizations that offer tobacco cessation programs; two of those are listed here.

Hāmākua-Kohala Health

Hāmākua-Kohala Health provides quality healthcare that is responsive to its patients’ and the community’s needs. The Tobacco Treatment program is available to adults (18+) in our community, and the participant does not need to be a patient of Hāmākua-Kohala Health to receive services and nicotine replacement therapy. Their tobacco cessation program is funded by a grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, which allows them to offer these services at no cost. Free nicotine replacement products include patches, gum, lozenges, and non-nicotine Chantix; however, some restrictions apply. Hāmākua-Kohala Health has clinics at Honoka‘a, Kohala, Laupāhoehoe, and Waimea. 

Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center

The integrated care team at Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center (HICHC), which includes both medical and behavioral health professionals, is dedicated to helping patients quit tobacco. Quitting or cutting back on tobacco or nicotine products will help long-term health, create a healthier environment and protect you and your ‘ohana. Their services are also funded by a grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, which allows them to offer these services at no cost. To receive patches, gum, lozenges, and counseling, individuals must register. However, they do not need to be patients of HICHC or have insurance.

The Tobacco Cessation program offers: 

• Free Quit Kit
• Individual Counseling/Therapy
• Group Counseling/Therapy
• Specialized Support for Pregnant Tobacco/Nicotine Users
• Medication treatment for tobacco-related disorders
• Assistance Stopping or Cutting Back
• Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (i.e., patches or gum)
• Individual and Group Nicotine Cessation Therapy
• Support for People in All Stages of Recovery
• Safe, Confidential, and Non-Judgmental Care

Hawai‘i Community Health Center has clinics in East Hawai‘i (Hilo, Pāhoa, Kea‘au, Ka‘u) and Westside (Waikoloa, Kealakehe, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua). 

To learn more or get involved with Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Island, contact Jay Ihara, Hawai‘i Island Tobacco-Free Coordinator, at jay@hiphi.org or (808) 591-6508 ext. 26.