Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i Plans for 2025!

In October, members of Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i (TFK) met to discuss the path we will take in 2025. The meeting kicked off with an overview Hawai‘i Public Health Institute’s (HIPHI) elected candidates survey and overview of the state’s legislative landscape. This was followed by an open discussion of Kaua‘i legislator survey responses, which will help shape TFK’s outreach efforts and identify key areas for future tobacco education in the community.

Kevin Ramirez, the Program Manager for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i, presented on the significance of menthol and the need to include it in language for future flavored tobacco legislation at the state and county levels. Menthol, originally added to tobacco to mask its harshness, has been shown to increase tobacco use and appeal among certain populations, including people of color, women, and youth. Kevin’s presentation, combined with survey feedback, provided valuable insights into how Kaua‘i might respond to proposed tobacco policies and initiatives.

Overall, the planning meeting went well as TFK now has a work plan, with lots of activities to develop and implement throughout 2025. Stay tuned!

If you are interested in supporting Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i with any part of our community outreach, please contact the Kaua‘i Coordinator, Valerie Saiki at Valerie@hiphi.org.