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/

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

East Hawai’i

Kaua’i

Maui

Molokai

O ‘ahu

West Hawai’i

National

NYC sues roll-your-own cigarette shops–11-21-11 Crain’s New York Business

Revised Policy Guidance on E-Cigarettes – June 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

Kaua‘i

O’ahu

• 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.

East Hawai‘i

West Hawai’i

‘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.

The Coalition is accepting nominations for our 2011 Awards Program.  Please review the criteria and nominate a deserving member of your community.

Nomination Form

Award Categories and Criteria

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.

Register Today

2011 Awards Criteria

2011 Awards Nomination Form

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

East Hawai’i

West Hawai’i

Kauai

O’ahu — Smoke-Free Housing Corner

Chronic Disease Summit

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

‘Imi Hale