To: Honolulu City and County Council Members
Raise the age of sale for tobacco products on Oahu to 21!
We support the Honolulu City Council to pass a law that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21 years of age.
Raising the minimum age of sale for tobacco products will reduce the access to tobacco by Honolulu County youth, helping to protect them from the dangers of tobacco addiction and the long-term health problems of tobacco use.
Creating a policy will maintain the City and County’s commitment to public health and help reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases and health care costs in our community.
Mahalo for signing! We look forward to seeing you at the hearings.
Why is this important?
Between the ages 18 to 21, young adults transition from trying tobacco products to becoming regular, daily smokers. On Oahu, the rate of smoking between the ages of 18-24 tripled from 8.6% in 2010 to 23.9% in 2011 and has continued to climb. These increasing rates among the youth are shocking.
Please sign the petition and show Honolulu City Council your support for raising the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21!