According to a report by Einpresswire on February 21st, the Hawaii Department of Health has extended the "Stand Strong Together" campaign, revealing targeted marketing by the tobacco industry towards Hawaii's youth.
According to reports, the tobacco industry spends an estimated $22 million on marketing in Hawaii each year, resulting in annual healthcare costs of $611 million, productivity losses totaling $1.1 billion, and a state and federal tax burden of nearly $1,000 per household. In an effort to combat the epidemic of young people using e-cigarettes, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaii Public Health Institute (HIPHI) recently relaunched the "Strong Together" initiative.
The impact of e-cigarettes varies among different counties. Data shows that the burden of the youth e-cigarette epidemic is mainly borne by the counties. Among high school students in Kauai County, approximately 16% reported currently using e-cigarettes, while in Maui County it was 18%, in Hawaii County it was 22%, and in Honolulu County it was 13%.
In history, various counties in Hawaii have implemented policies to control tobacco products, with Hawaii County being one of the first areas nationwide to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21. All four counties have already banned smoking in parks and beaches before this prohibition became state law.
However, for big tobacco companies, their strategy is to focus their special interests at the state level. In 2018, state legislatures stripped counties of the power to regulate the sale of tobacco products. However, during the 2024 legislative session, several bills were introduced, including HB1778, seeking to restore county authority and allow for appropriate actions to protect children based on local needs.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
