EAH is opening a new tax-credit development in late summer 2012 in Ewa Beach.  The Villages of Moa`e Ku will be a smoke-free facility.   Click here to download an application.

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

Our third annual Deadly in Pink brunch will be held at the Pacific Club on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ABSTRACTS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011 – 11:59PM (PST)

www.TobaccoControlConference.org

Join us for our first Turn-in and Quit event on Sunday, December 4th, 2011 at Kukui Grove’s food court (Sear’s side) any time between 8am till 12 noon.

Click here for details.

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.

Click here for a complete list of GASO events across the Islands.

November 17th — 10am to 1pm Kapi’olani Community College will be holding a GASO event on campus.  Students have been collecting cigarette butts and making signs in support of their smoke-free campus initiative.

To order materials, contact Koa Robinson at `Imi Hale, 526-1700.
Materials are provided free to the extent possible with the support of grants and donations.
Postage charges may apply.

e kakou Nov2011