ACTION ALERT:
PROTECTING THE TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CONTROL TRUST FUND
For over 20 years, Hawaii’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund has reduced the burden of tobacco in our state, saving both lives and healthcare costs. Since its inception, the state has achieved significant declines in smoking rates for both adults and youth smoking rates.
Despite this progress, the toll of tobacco is substantial, and there is still work to be done. Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and disease, claiming 1,400 lives each year and creating $526 million in annual healthcare costs in Hawai‘i. E-cigarette use among youth has reached epidemic levels and erased decades of progress. Continued investment in tobacco prevention and control is needed to reverse this alarming trend and protect public health.
HB 1296 will repeal the tobacco prevention and control trust fund. Please OPPOSE this bill, which jeopardizes decades of progress in tobacco prevention and control efforts at a time it is needed the most.
If you plan to testify remotely, you can find additional information here.
House Committee on Finance
Tuesday, March 2 at 1:00 PM
Hearing Notice
Watch the hearing live on the House YouTube page.
Please submit your testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for consideration.