| 
 Federal
Judge: Tobacco Companies Are Racketeers
On August
17, 2006, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler issued a
final opinion in the U.S. government's landmark lawsuit
against the major tobacco companies that found the companies
have violated civil racketeering laws and defrauded the
American people by lying for decades about the health
risks of smoking and their marketing to children. Read
more |
40 States Seek to Limit 'Little Cigar' Marketing Are
'little cigars' a big scam?
Forty states have asked the U.S. Treasury Department to bar
tobacco companies from marketing products they say are identical
to cigarettes as "little cigars," a designation
the states say lets the firms evade taxes and target younger
consumers. Read
more
Nicotine Up Sharply In Many Cigarettes.
Some Brands More Than 30% Stronger
The amount of nicotine in a cigarette has increased steadily
over the past six years, according to a new report released
today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
Read
more
Chantix Quadruples Smoker's Chances Of Quitting Successfully
Chantix (varenicline) can be four times as effective in helping
a smoker give up cigarettes successfully, according to a report
in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), 5 July.
According to the report, which cites three studies, Chantix
is twice as effective as Zyban (bupropion). Read
more
Looking for a study or report? Browse the CDC Smoking and Health
Resource Library. This database contains abstracts from medical
and professional journals; books; dissertations; reports; conference
proceedings and papers; government documents; fact sheets and
policy documents from U.S. and international nonprofit organizations
and much more. Read more
U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona issued a comprehensive
scientific report on June 27 which concludes that there is no
risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Nonsmokers
exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk
of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer
by 20 to 30 percent. Read more
Fall always seems to be a time of change, transition and
new experiences. This fall, there are a multitude of new
and wonderful changes for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free
Hawai'i. One of those changes is something we've all worked
hard to make a reality; Hawai'i becomes the 14th state
to go smoke-free. Read more |
 On
November 16, 2006, Hawai'i will take a gigantic step closer
to becoming a smoke-free paradise. We know the cost of
smoking in Hawai'i is considerable, with more than 1,100
people dying each year from smoking and smoking-related
illnesses. In addition almost one-half a billion dollars
is spent on healthcare and lost productivity because of
smoking. Although a majority of businesses in the State
are now smoke-free, there are many that are not, such
as bars, nightclubs and many small businesses.
To help Hawai'i residents and business owners understand
the new Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law, the Hawai'i Department
of Health and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i
are working together to provide comprehensive information
to the public and businesses on various aspects of the
new law. As a resource, a new website has been developed
where you can download signs, file complaints, get technical
assistance, help with quitting, find FAQ, the complete
law, and benefits to businesses. (www.hawaiismokefree.com).
You can also get information by calling 211 and asking
for information on tobacco and the Smoke-Free Hawai'i
Law, beginning October 16. 2006. Read more
|
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i is proud
to announce René Hicks, world famous comedienne,
is scheduled as the keynote speaker for our October
19 annual meeting. René brings her special
brand of humor and personal knowledge of the not-so-funny
harmful events of secondhand smoke. Although René
has never smoked, she was diagnosed with lung cancer,
which she attributes to her work hazard of entertaining
in smoke filled rooms. Read more
|
|
Our own Tyson Suzuki, stepped out as a leader in July
at the youth advocates training in Washington, D.C. There,
youth advocates from 30 countries came together for the
first Global Youth Advocacy Training Network (GYAT) conference.
The GYAT is a group of tobacco control activists from
around the world who exchange ideas to fight back against
the tobacco industry. Read more
|
The work is done, the law goes into effect on November 16
and it's time to celebrate. The community coalitions are planning
fundraising events on each of the Islands. Please contact
the coordinator for your community to find out what's planned
for your Island. Read more
Natalie Silva is the administrative assistant
for the Coalition. Natalie started with us in May 2006. Natalie
works full-time and provides general support to the entire
staff. Read more
Marriott Goes Smoke-Free
In perhaps the hospitality industry's largest move to a non-smoking
environment, all of the Marriott International, Inc.'s lodgings
in the United States and Canada are 100 percent smoke-free in
all enclosed public and work areas.
There are more than 2,300 hotels and corporate apartments and
nearly 400,000 guest rooms in the Marriott brand—JW Marriott,
The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill
Suites, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott ExecuStays.
Read more
Helping Businesses Implement the Hawai'i Smoke-Free
Law
 ALTRES
HR (Outsourced Human Resources) is working with the Coalition
to help businesses understand the new state smoking law. As
the date of this new law drew closer, ALTRES HR realized that
many Hawai'i business owners would be asking, "What do
we need to do to be in compliance?" Read
more
"Make It Your Business" Web
Conference Series
 The
Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i has been participating
in a national campaign: "Make It Your Business." This
is a series of web conferences set up by Tobacco-Free Coalition
of Oregon. The first conference was in September and was moderated
by Dr. Steven Schroeder, international expert on the health
impacts of smoking. Read more
Hilo
Hattie
Employers such as Hilo Hattie are recognizing the need to assist
employees with tobacco cessation and have implemented a worksite
smoking cessation program. Lena Young, vice president of Human
Resources, took the lead on this project in cooperation with
American Lung Association of Hawai'i's Freedom From Smoking
Clinic. Read more
 Cessation The
Hawai'i Department of Health has released three new publications
as resources for the general public and health care providers.
One is a guide intended for use by health care providers
and is not available for distribution to the general public.
Read more |
Kalihi Palama Health Center (KPHC)
recently had four of its staff complete Mayo Clinic's Nicotine
Dependence Center's Tobacco Treatment Specialist training and
are awaiting the results from the national certification test.
Read more
The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline
The Quitline is a free resource for employers or individuals.
Helping your employees that want to quit can be as simple
as placing a note in your company newsletter with contact
information for the Quitline. Read more |
Membership
As we near the completion of our first year as a paid membership
organization, we want to say "Mahalo Nui Loa" to organizations
and individuals that joined as members. Read more
Policy
The Policy Workgroup will be holding its annual strategic
planning session to finalize goals for 2007. The main emphasis
for 2006 and early 2007 will be the implementation of the
Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law. Read more
Social Norms Toolkit
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i, in partnership with
the Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, the Department of
Health and the American Cancer Society, have embarked on a joint
project of creating "Social Norms Toolkits" that will
seek to positively alter socially acceptable behavior around
the issues of smoking and second-hand smoke. Read
more
October 6 – "Make It Your Business Web Conference"
October 18 – René Hicks—Live and Direct.
Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition will sponsor a fundraising
event to be held at Uncle Mikey's Nightclub. Cost is $15 per
person. Contact Tracie Yoshimoto traciey@hawaii.rr.com
for more information.
October 19 – Annual Meeting 10 a.m.-2 pm Waikiki Beach
Marriott Resort & Spa. For more info see article above or
contact Diane Lobre at dlobre@cancer.org.
View all events
For updates on what's happening in your community. Read
more
Chantix Quadruples Smoker's Chances
Of Quitting Successfully Chantix was approved by
the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help smokers
quit. Manufactured and distributed by Pfizer, Chantix uses
a new molecular entity that received a priority FDA review
because of its significant potential benefit to public health.
Chantix works in areas of the brain affected by nicotine and
may help those who wish to give up smoking in two ways: by
easing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the effects of nicotine
from cigarettes if they resume smoking. Read
article
Back to top
Looking for a study or report? Browse the CDC Smoking and Health
Resource Library. This database contains abstracts from medical
and professional journals; books; dissertations; reports; conference
proceedings and papers; government documents; fact sheets and
policy documents from U.S. and international nonprofit organizations
and much more. New citations added to the database in the last
eight weeks are also available, including recently published
tobacco-related articles from peer-reviewed journals of behavioral,
scientific, and medical literature. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/shrl/QuickSearch.aspx
For the Latest Tobacco News and Headlines visit: http://www.tobacco.org/
Tobacco Law and Policy is a bibliographic database containing
information on North American law review and journal articles
relating to tobacco control. http://www.tobaccolawreviews.org
Back to top
U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona issued a comprehensive
scientific report on June 27 which concludes that there is no
risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Nonsmokers
exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk
of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer
by 20 to 30 percent. The finding is of major public health concern
due to the fact that nearly half of all nonsmoking Americans
are still regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
The report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure
to Tobacco Smoke, finds that even brief secondhand smoke exposure
can cause immediate harm. The report says the only way to protect
nonsmokers from the dangerous chemicals in secondhand smoke
is to eliminate smoking indoors.
"The report is a crucial warning sign to nonsmokers and
smokers alike," HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt said. "Smoking
can sicken and kill, and even people who do not smoke can be
harmed by smoke from those who do.
Secondhand smoke exposure can cause heart disease and lung cancer
in nonsmoking adults and is a known cause of sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS), respiratory problems, ear infections, and asthma
attacks in infants and children, the report finds.
"The health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are more
pervasive than we previously thought," said Surgeon General
Carmona, vice admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service. "The
scientific evidence is now indisputable: secondhand smoke is
not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can
lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking
adults." Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing
chemicals, and is itself a known human carcinogen. Nonsmokers
who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same
toxins as smokers. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has
immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases
risk for heart disease and lung cancer, the report says. In
addition, the report notes that because the bodies of infants
and children are still developing, they are especially vulnerable
to the poisons in secondhand smoke.
"The good news is that, unlike some public health hazards,
secondhand smoke exposure is easily prevented," Surgeon
General Carmona said. "Smoke-free indoor environments are
proven, simple approaches that prevent exposure and harm."
The report finds that even the most sophisticated ventilation
systems cannot completely eliminate secondhand smoke exposure
and that only smoke-free environments afford full protection.
Surgeon General Carmona noted that levels of cotinine -- a biological
marker for secondhand smoke exposure -- measured in nonsmokers
have fallen by 70 percent since the late 1980s, and the proportion
of nonsmokers with detectable cotinine levels has been halved
from 88 percent in 1988-91 to 43 percent in 2001-02.
"Our progress over the past 20 years in clearing the air
of tobacco smoke is a major public health success story,"
Surgeon General Carmona said. "We have averted many thousands
of cases of disease and early death and saved millions of dollars
in health care costs." He emphasized, however, that sustained
efforts are required to protect the more than 126 million Americans
who continue to be regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in
the home, at work, and in enclosed public spaces.
To help communicate the report findings as widely as possible,
the Surgeon General unveiled an easy-to-read guide with practical
information on the dangers of secondhand smoke and steps people
can take to protect themselves.
Copies of The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to
Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General and related materials
are available on the Surgeon General's Web site at www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/.
Back to top
Fall always seems to be a time of change, transition and new
experiences. This fall, there are a multitude of new and wonderful
changes for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i. One of
those changes is something we've all worked hard to make a reality;
Hawai'i becomes the 14th state to go smoke-free. On November
16th 2006 (The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout),
all workplaces and enclosed public places in Hawai'i will become
100 percent smoke-free. The campaign to educate people about
and implement the new Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law is in full swing.
In the next few weeks you'll see new public education materials,
media messages and our trained ambassadors talking to community
groups all over the State.
The other change is that over the last year, the Coalition
for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i has been working to establish itself
as an independent, non-profit organization. For the last 10
years, the American Cancer Society has graciously acted as
our fiscal agent. Now we have decided that the Coalition is
strong enough to stand on its own. We will elect our first
corporate board of directors at our annual meeting on October
19th at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (now 100
percent smoke-free.) By the time you read this, all the legal
paperwork will be filed and we hope to be fully independent
by January 2007. Behind the scenes, our staff is working hard
to establish new systems for accounting, human resources,
and general operations to ensure a seamless transition. Our
first fundraisers will be local celebrations of the new Smoke-Free
Hawai'i Law. We hope you will join us to celebrate clean air
and to support the Coalition in its first fundraising endeavor.
Stay tuned for more information.
While there are some legal changes ahead for the Coalition,
our services and programs will remain the same. We look forward
to continuing our work with you, tobacco control providers,
and advocates to collectively reach our goal of a tobacco-free
Hawai'i.
With warm aloha,
Deborah
Back to top
Hawaii 14th State in the Nation to Go Smoke-Free
On November 16, 2006, Hawai'i will take a gigantic
step closer to becoming a smoke-free paradise. We know the cost
of smoking in Hawai'i is considerable, with more than 1,100
people dying each year from smoking and smoking-related illnesses.
In addition almost one-half a billion dollars is spent on healthcare
and lost productivity because of smoking. Although a majority
of businesses in the State are now smoke-free, there are many
that are not, such as bars, nightclubs and many small businesses.
To help Hawai'i residents and business owners understand the
new Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law, the Hawai'i Department of Health
and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i are working together
to provide comprehensive information to the public and businesses
on various aspects of the new law. As a resource, a new website
has been developed where you can download signs, file complaints,
get technical assistance, help with quitting, find FAQ, the
complete law, and benefits to businesses. (www.hawaiismokefree.com).
You can also get information by calling 211 and asking for information
on tobacco and the Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law, beginning October
16. 2006.
What the Law says: All enclosed work and public
places will become smoke-free on November 16, 2006, the day
of the American Cancer Society's "The
Great American Smokeout."
- Smoking will be prohibited in enclosed or partially enclosed
facilities owned by the State or the counties.
- Smoking will be prohibited in enclosed or partially enclosed
places that are open to the public. This includes private
businesses.
- Smoking is prohibited in enclosed or partially enclosed
places of employment. Private homes used as childcare, adult
care or health care facilities are considered places of
employment. Private membership clubs are under jurisdiction
of the law if they are places of employment.
- Smoking is prohibited in the entirety of restaurants
and bars, including outdoor patios and lanai. This includes
luau and other events where food and drink are served.
- The law has a reasonable distance provision to prevent
secondhand smoke from drifting into enclosed areas. Smoking
is not allowed within 20 feet of doorways, windows and ventilation
intakes. The Department of Health will consider exemptions
to this rule on a case by case basis.
- All airports will be smoke-free, from the cabin to curb.
- Smoking is prohibited in enclosed, partially enclosed
and seating areas of sports arenas, outdoor arenas, stadiums
and amphitheaters.
- Owners, operators and managers of public places and workplaces,
including outdoor areas, not covered by this law have the
right to designate the areas under their control as smoke-free.
Smoking will be prohibited in those places where signs are
posted.
There are several exceptions to the new law:
Hotels and motels may designate and offer smoking rooms. Smoking
rooms must be on the same floor and contiguous. Smoke must not
infiltrate into areas where smoking is not allowed. No more
than 20 percent of a hotel's or motel's rooms may be designated
as smoking.
Smoking is allowed in private and semi-private rooms of nursing
homes and long-term care facilities, provided the smoke from
these rooms does not infiltrate into non-smoking areas. The
occupants of any such room must request in writing to be placed
in a smoking room.
Retail tobacco stores are exempt provided that smoke from these
places does not infiltrate into areas where smoking is prohibited.
All areas covered by the Smoke-Free Hawai'i law when smoking
is part of a production being filmed. Also, State correctional
facilities are exempt. It should be noted that a number of these
facilities have been designated smoke-free by the facility management.
Compliance is easy: Business owners and managers
are responsible for compliance of the new law. Businesses must
display clearly legible signs with the wording "Smoking
Prohibited by Law" or the international No Smoking symbol
must be conspicuously posted at the entrance to every public
place and workplace that is designated as non-smoking.
Signs are available for purchase at office supply stores and
are also available for download at www.hawaiismokefree.com.
Business owners and managers who allow patrons or employees
to smoke in a facility that has been declared smoke free under
the Smoke-Free Hawai'i law run the risk of fines and suspension
or revocation of any licenses or permits issued to either the
person or the place of business where the violation occurred.
As an owner or manager, you and your employees are responsible
for informing violators of the law.
Individual violators of this law may be fined up to $50 plus
court costs.
Businesses that fail to comply with the law may be fined up
to $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offence (within
one year of the first violation,) and up to $500 for each additional
violation (within one year of the preceding violation.)
In addition to monetary penalties, businesses risk suspension
or revocation of any licenses or permits issued to either the
person or place where the violation occurred. This includes
liquor licenses and food service permits.
General questions from the public or business owners can be
answered by calling the statewide Aloha United Way 211 number,
(as of October 16, 2006). Other concerns and complaints can
be directed to the Department of Health at 586-4613.
If your business requires technical assistance and/or a site
review, call ALTRES at 591-4949 or Toll Free at 1-800-482-7444.
ALTRES has allocating funds and resources for helping Hawai'i
businesses comply with the law, free of charge.
What about me? If you are a smoker, now is
a great time to quit. Resources to help you are available. You
might start by calling the free Hawai'i
Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW. (1-800-784-8669).
Back to top
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i is proud to announce
René Hicks, world famous comedienne, is scheduled as
the keynote speaker for our October 19 annual meeting. René
brings her special brand of humor and personal knowledge of
the not-so-funny harmful events of secondhand smoke. Although
René has never smoked, she was diagnosed with lung cancer,
which she attributes to her work hazard of entertaining in smoke
filled rooms. You can find out more about her at http://www.renehicks.com/index.php.
René will also be performing on Maui, in Hilo, and at
UH Manoa. For more information see the Events Calendar section
below.
The Annual Meeting's agenda will also include:
A Year in Review
What's Ahead
Implementation of the New Law Update
Awards
Governing Board
We hope to see you on October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Kona Moku Ballroom,
2552 Kalakaua Avenue. The cost is $20 for members; $30 for non-members;
and $15 for youth under 18. Please RSVP to Diane Lobre dlobre@cancer.org
by Friday, October 13.
Back to top
 Our
own Tyson Suzuki, stepped out as a leader in July at the youth
advocates training in Washington, D.C. There, youth advocates
from 30 countries came together for the first Global Youth Advocacy
Training Network (GYAT) conference. The GYAT is a group of tobacco
control activists from around the world who exchange ideas to
fight back against the tobacco industry. To view an awesome
video covering the event and to watch Tyson in action visit
http://www.gyatnetwork.org/index.html.
Tyson has been involved with REAL—Hawai'i Youth Movement
Against the Tobacco Industry—for four years. He found
out about REAL while participating in a PSA project for a high
school peer education class taught by April Nakamura. Nicole
Sutton (REAL Director) visited the class and talked about REAL
and immediately sparked his interest. He signed up that day.
Looking back, Tyson admits that "he didn't think anything
about it after class, but, got a call from Nicole later that
summer asking him to shoot a statewide documentary on the REAL
tour." Tyson's been behind the lens ever since. In fact,
several months after graduating from high school, he won an
award for his submission "Pain," to the Cinema in
Paradise Film Festival.
Tyson is still involved with REAL, but has stepped into a national
role as a representative on the American Legacy's Youth Advisory
Council (YAC). This role allows him to stay on the cutting edge
of what's happening on the tobacco front and to devise a strategy
to counter market or research the issue. He along with 10 others
from around the country play an active role and are poised to
spearhead an activist movement to guard against any potential
threat to their generation.
Tyson says, "I feel so empowered." The latest projects
are writing and publishing a youth activism book and creating
a survey based on hookah. To gain his position on the Council,
Tyson applied on-line and underwent a telephone interview. Seventy
youth from all over the national applied and the competition
was tough. "I feel so honored to be able to represent Hawai'i
on a national level," Tyson said.
What's next? Tyson talks about taking it global. He wants to
work with the World Health Organization and help develop a youth
empowerment program for future generations.
Back to top
Fundraising Events Planned
around the State:
The work is done, the law goes into effect on November
16 and it's time to celebrate. The community coalitions are
planning fundraising events on each of the Islands. Please contact
the coordinator for your community to find out what's planned
for your Island.
Back to top
CTFH New Faces:
Natalie Silva is the administrative
assistant for the Coalition. Natalie started with us in May
2006. Natalie works full-time and provides general support to
the entire staff. Born in Bronx, New York, and raised in Florida,
Natalie took the position because of her interest in the goals
of the Coalition. She is all thumbs up for a smoke-free Hawai'i.
Her former job was working in a pre-school and she was able
to work with the community and meet many people. She enjoys
working with people and learning about what is going on in our
society. Natalie's email is nsilva@cancer.org
Back to top
Business Briefs:
MARRIOTT GOES SMOKE-FREE
 In
perhaps the hospitality industry's largest move to a non-smoking
environment, all of the Marriott International, Inc.'s lodgings
in the United States and Canada are 100 percent smoke-free in
all enclosed public and work areas.
There are more than 2,300 hotels and corporate apartments and
nearly 400,000 guest rooms in the Marriott brand—JW Marriott,
The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill
Suites, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott ExecuStays.
"Creating a smoke-free environment demonstrates a
new level of service and care for our guests and associates,"
said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer
of Marriott International. "Our family of brands is united
on this important health issue and we anticipate very positive
customer feedback."
The new policy includes all guest rooms, restaurants, lounges,
meeting rooms, public space and employee work areas. Demand
for non-smoking rooms continues to rise with new information
from the Surgeon General on the hazards of secondary smoke.
We applaud the Marriott for being a leader in the hospitality
industry and setting an example. The Coalition will hold its
annual meeting at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
on Thursday, October 19. For more information or to make reservations
for the Marriott, visit their website www.marriott.com.
Back to top
Helping Businesses Implement
the Hawai'i Smoke-Free Law
ALTRES
HR (Outsourced Human Resources) is working with the Coalition
to help businesses understand the new state smoking law. As
the date of this new law drew closer, ALTRES HR realized that
many Hawai'i business owners would be asking, "What do
we need to do to be in compliance?"
Because ALTRES HR was already providing guidance to its own
clients, the company elected to offer the same technical assistance
for free (including a site review) to the rest of Hawai'i's
business community. ALTRES HR is actively supporting the Coalition's
implementation committee and has stepped forward with financial
support, tactical resources, and in-kind assistance. They have
committed to the development and distribution of website resources
and printed materials which will help businesses meet the new
legal requirements. Plus, ALTRES HR has volunteered to pay for
print ads that will raise public awareness and promote the www.hawaiismokefree.com
website, Department of Health's resources, and the Aloha United
Way 211 telephone number, available beginning October 16, 2006.
If you'd like ALTRES HR to provide free assistance to your business,
please call 591-3223 or visit www.altres.com/smokefreelaw/.
Back to top
"Make
It Your Business" Web Conference Series
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i has been participating
in a national campaign: "Make It Your Business."
This is a series of web conferences set up by Tobacco-Free Coalition
of Oregon. The first conference was in September and was moderated
by Dr. Steven Schroeder, international expert on the health
impacts of smoking. Panelists included Mike Brennan, Wellness
Program Manager, The Boeing Company; Beth Shepard, Health Promotion
Specialist, Washington Mutual, Inc.; and Varon Blackburn, Human
Resources Manager, McCain Foods Limited. Invitations were sent
to the business community asking them to participate in the
conference and learn ways to fight the health and economic toll
of tobacco use. The webinar also shared how the businesses represented
on the panel benefited from investing in employee health by
supporting their employees who used tobacco quit. An additional
conference was held on October 6.
Businesses large and small around the nation and locally are
recognizing the toll of tobacco-related illnesses and the financial
impact to the company in health costs and lost productivity.
Leaders of the business community are beginning to implement
tobacco cessation into their overall health benefit packages
for employees. Hawai'i will soon be building its own "Make
It Your Business" campaign. If you are interested in learning
more, contact Maria Reyes mreyes@cancer.org.
Back to top
Hilo Hattie
Employers such as Hilo Hattie are recognizing the need
to assist employees with tobacco cessation and have implemented
a worksite smoking cessation program. Lena Young, vice president
of Human Resources, took the lead on this project in cooperation
with American Lung Association of Hawai'i's Freedom From Smoking
Clinic. At the first orientation, only six people showed up,
but Lena pushed forward with the clinic. The company's goal
is to reduce tobacco use at the worksite, especially in preparation
of the implementation of the new comprehensive smoke-free workplace
law that will take place November 16. Of the six that started
the program, four are still smoke-free and the program has a
total of eight sessions. The willingness of Young and Hilo Hattie
to provide this service for its employees demonstrates its belief
in employee health and wellness. Thank you for being an outstanding
business leader for Hawai'i.
Back to
top
Workgroup Updates:
Cessation
The Hawai'i Department of Health has released three new publications
as resources for the general public and health care providers.
One
is a guide intended for use by health care providers and is
not available for distribution to the general public. This
guide provides an overview of cessation services throughout
the state. It includes information about which island(s) are
serviced, contact information, hours of accessibility, program
type and length, cost, whether pharmacothery is offered, and
population served. Copies are available through the Department
of Health Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (808) 586-4613.
The second is a simplified list
of cessation services available for the general public.
An accompanying publication titled "Think
About It" is a resource for anyone interested in quitting
or would like to help a loved one or patient quit. It includes
tips on the harmful effects of smoking, secondhand smoke and
quitting.
Back to top
Kalihi Palama Health
Center (KPHC) recently had four of its staff complete
Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center's Tobacco Treatment
Specialist training and are awaiting the results from the
national certification test:
Ana Jimenez McMillan, MPH, Smoking Cessation Program Coordinator,
KPHC
Lisa Abbott, Nurse Practitioner, Kaaahi Clinic, Health Care
Homeless
Project (HCHP), KPHC
Kelli Chun, MSW, Kaaahi Clinic, HCHP, KPHC
Gilbert Ikehara, Master Science Counseling Psychology, Kohou
Clinic,
HCHP, KPHC
Back to top The
Hawaii Tobacco Quitline
The Quitline is a free resource for employers or individuals.
Helping your employees that want to quit can be as simple
as placing a note in your company newsletter with contact
information for the Quitline. If you would like more information
about what your company can do call Maria Reyes 946-6851,
x 202 and ask about our "Make It Your Business"
campaign.
Back to top
Membership
As we near the completion of our first year as a
paid membership organization, we want to say "Mahalo
Nui Loa" to organizations and individuals that joined
as members. We now have 24 organizations and 18 individual
members for a total of 42 invested members. We surpassed our
goal for 2006 by 100 percent. Our goal for 2007 is to increase
membership by at least 75 percent, which will require a minimum
of 32 new members. This fall, we will be implementing our
membership drive and encourage you to join. Simply go to http://www.tobaccofreeHawai'i.org/version3/membership_form.html
to join.
Back to top
Policy
The Policy Workgroup will be holding its annual strategic
planning session to finalize goals for 2007. The main emphasis
for 2006 and early 2007 will be the implementation of the
Smoke-Free Hawai'i Law. There are several items to be considered
as the focus for the 2007 legislative session: monitoring
the cigarette tax bill, flavored tobacco, minor possession
and as always keeping a careful eye on any move to dilute
the tobacco trust fund dollars allocated for tobacco control.
For more information, please contact George Massengale at
gmassengale@cancer.org.
Back to top
Prevention
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i, in partnership with
the Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, the Department of
Health and the American Cancer Society, have embarked on a joint
project of creating "Social Norms Toolkits" that will
seek to positively alter socially acceptable behavior around
the issues of smoking and second-hand smoke.
These toolkits will include a basic "how-to manual"
and support materials that community coalitions and other community
groups will be able to use to address specific policies such
as the community's attitudes towards tobacco.
The Coalition assembled an advisory group for this project that
includes representatives from the Cancer Research Center, the
American Cancer Society, Community Coalitions, the Department
of Health, Community Health Centers and the Native Hawaiian
Health Care System.
The toolkits will be available for specific target areas of
policy change by late spring to early summer 2007. For more
information please contact Maria Reyes at mreyes@cancer.org.
Back to top
October 6 – "Make It Your Business Web Conference"
October 18 – René Hicks—Live and Direct.
Tobacco-Free Big Island Coalition will sponsor a fundraising
event to be held at Uncle Mikey's Nightclub. Cost is $15 per
person. Contact Tracie Yoshimoto traciey@hawaii.rr.com
for more information.
October 19 – Annual Meeting 10 a.m.-2 pm Waikiki Beach
Marriott Resort & Spa. For more info see article above or
contact Diane Lobre at dlobre@cancer.org.
October 20 – René Hicks performs on Maui. Sponsored
by the Maui Tobacco-Free Partnership, Hicks will perform at
the MEO Family Center during a min-conference being held between
9 am and 12 noon. For more information contact Sandy McGuinness
via email sandramaui@aol.com.
October 22 – René Hicks is being sponsored by the
University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the State Department of Health.
For details contact Kathy Koga at kathleen.koga@doh.hawaii.gov.
November 16 – The American Cancer Society's "Great
American SmokeOut" New Law Takes Effect—check with
your local coalition for fundraising events being planned for
this week.
If you have a training, workshop or event that you would like
included in the next newsletter please email dlobre@cancer.org.
Back to top
For updates on what's happening in your community click on the
logo below:
 |
Beth Kuch, Coordinator |
 |
West Hawai‘i
Chris Dein-Gaughen, Coordinator |
|
Tobacco-Free Big Island
Tracie Yoshimoto, Coordinator |
 |
Charles Roessler, Coordinator |
 |
Sandra McGuinness, Coordinator |
|
