January 2012 Newsletter
January 24, 2012
As we enter into 2012, I am excited about the work the Coalition is doing on each of our Islands and statewide. I encourage you to read our community coordinators articles found in this newsletter and learn more about our community level initiatives, events, and partnerships.
You may have seen the American Lung Association’s report card on the state of tobacco control in Hawai’i. We received a D for our Cessation efforts. In reading through the grade summary, one of the areas impacting the low score is barriers to coverage for cessation services. This is one of the policy issues the Coalition has been working on for a few years. While Medicaid and the State Hawaii Health Plan offer cessation services on a limited basis, our state does not require private health insurance plans to cover cessation treatments. Cessation coverage in private health insurance plans varies by employer and/or plan. What if, every person who wants to quit could get medication and counseling covered?
One of the most exciting avenues for policy and advocacy work, now and in the future, is the intergration of social media and e-communications to move policy issues. A hot item this week was the black out of Wikipedia and how Facebook and Twitter played a major role in derailing the SOPA legislation. We can be connected instantly and bring a powerful united voice to the cause or issue of our choice. You have in the palm of your hand with your smart phone or the click of a button on your computer the power to make a difference. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @TobaccofreeHI today.
Wishing you a great 2012,
Deborah Zysman
Executive Director
The Hawaii State Legislature’s website has a new look. It is easy to navigate and the Citizens Guide is a great resource if want to learn more about how the legislative process works. We invite you to join us as an:ad·vo·cate/ˈadvəkit/
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Your voice and support for our 2012 policy priorities is critical to the future of tobacco prevention and control in Hawaii. Over the next several months you may receive an email asking you to take action, submit testimony, or write a letter to you lawmaker, please take the time to respond. Today, you can help by asking five new friends to become advocates for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii.
Community Coalition Updates
National
NYC sues roll-your-own cigarette shops–11-21-11 Crain’s New York Business
Revised Policy Guidance on E-Cigarettes – June 2011
November Newsletter
November 21, 2011
Aloha,
As we reflect back on 2011, we take the time to thank you for working hard to advocate for tobacco control. THANK YOU for helping to reduce tobacco use in Hawai‘i. And we thank our lawmakers who are:
- Keeping restaurants, bars, and workplaces smoke-free
- Keeping our keiki safe by keeping the Tobacco Trust Fund safe
Please take 30 seconds to send an email to your lawmakers to thank them for the work they’re doing to save Hawai‘i money by saving tobacco prevention funding. Click here to send your message.
As you move into the holiday spirit and begin your shopping, we ask that you consider shopping on-line and giving by using GoodShop. There are hundreds of stores to shop from and it’s easy to use.
Shop on-line using GoodShop. 
Local News
- Following Serena Chen’s visit in October, smoke-free housing received a lot of media attention. Click here to read the Honolulu Star-Advertiser 15 Nov 2011 – article.
‘Imi Hale has resources available. Click here to download the flyer. Papa Ola Lokahi recently released its November Newsletter, if you did not receive it, click here.
Click here to download the Hawai’i State Department of Health’s recently released Chronic Disease, Disparities Report 2011: Social Determinants
November 16th was National COPD Day. Congratulations to the Hawaii COPD Coalition for gaining recognition from the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawai’i. Governor Abercrombie declared November COPD month in Hawai’i.
HPCA Launches Awareness Campaign
Request for Applications for funding to address disparities in colorectal cancer education, prevention, and treatment among under served populations. Click here for details.
Events/Conferences
Friday, December 2, 2011 — Third Annual Translational Cancer Medicine Symposium
Throughout November, community organizations throughout Hawaii will be hosting events to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s 36th annual Great American Smokeout, which takes
place November 17, 2011. Click here to find an event near you.
July/August Newsletter
August 24, 2011
The Coalition is planning it’s Annual Meeting for Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the Japanese Cultural Center. We are excited to announce that Maureen Busalacchi from Health First Wisconsin and Serena Chen (policy director from ALA) an expert on smoke-free policies in multi-unit dwellings.
We also will be recognizing our 2011 Alaka’i Award winners. The deadline for nominations is September 26, 2011 we are accepting nominations in all categories.
Big Island Celebrates One-Year Anniversity of Smoke-Free Vehicles Law.
The Coalition participated in the 2011 Mayor’s Health Fest “Our Island, Our Families, Our Health” Big Island Celebrates
Ellen Cunningham, a dedicated leader in the West Hawaii Coalition and within the community. Read More
O’ahu — Smoke-Free Housing Corner
Ethics for Prevention Certificate
National
Kudos to Pasadena….Trendsetters!
On July 11, the Pasadena City Council passed a comprehensive smoke-free policy in multi-unit housing ordinance. Pasadena Ordinance
For First Time, Majority in U.S. Supports Public Smoking Ban
Little support for making smoking illegal, however
A majority of Americans (59%) support a ban on smoking in all public places for the first time since Gallup initially asked the question in 2001. Read more at GALLUP.com.
Cigarette lawsuit could delay bolder warnings
The tobacco industry’s latest legal challenge to increased government regulation may not hold up in court… Read More
2011 March Newsletter
March 3, 2011
Successful Kick Butts Day 2011! Check out the news coverage and photos.
Tobacco programs from across the state came out to support the event. The fourth floor of the Capitol was lined with programs information tables, advocates and lawmakers. Youth and adults were excited to meet lawmakers and share the information and success stories about their programs. The event was jointly planned by REAL and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii. Click here to see event pictures.
Annual Appeal Matching Challenge Met
Thanks to your generous support, we met the $2,000 match. We extend a heart felt mahalo to Clinical Laboratories, LLC and Dr. Paul Ho. This newsletter we are also happy to share a profile of Clinical Laboratories. Click here to read the story. You too can donate today!
Legislative Update 2011
We are almost midway through the 2011 Legislative session. Thank you for responding to the calls to take action! Because of you, we have kept the Smoke-Free Workplaces law intact and strong!
Stay tuned for more action alerts. We need you to protect funding for our tobacco prevention and cessation programs. And, we need you to make sure insurers provide comprehensive cessation services for those who need help to quit. There is a lot more to come!
Does Your Local Pharmacy Still Sell Tobacco? Pharamacies here and around the nation are chosing not to sell tobacco products and to promote health. Click here to learn which pharmacy in your community has a “No Tobacco Products” policy. You can also talk to your pharmacy about instituting a no tobacco sale policy.
Neighbor Island News
American Lung Association in Hawaii Facilitator Training Detailed Flyer March 23 & 24 2011
If you are a mental health or substance abuse treatment specialist or counselor, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii is offering CEU’s for CSAC, Social workers and psychologists. Click on the link below for details.
Achieving Clinical Excellence
National News
Lawmakers-reduce-funding-for-anti-smoking-programs
Got News! Share it, send your event announcement, personal success story, or organizational news to diane@tobaccofreehawaii.org. Deadline for next issue, March 28, 2011.
Ka Ho’oilina Leo Momi “Treasured Voices”
August 5, 2009
Stores Cited for Sell of Tobacco to Minors
June 15, 2009
Mahalo Nui Loa
May 11, 2009
Smoking is Not a Hawaiian Tradition
May 11, 2009
