The first bill deadline of the 2024 Hawaii legislative session has passed and I wanted to update you on our priority issues.
First the good news:
Bills addressing our top issues listed below have passed out of their first committee and are moving forward.
- Repeal the law passed in 2018 that took away power from the counties to make local decisions on tobacco issues.
- Expand access to no-cost school meals for students.
- Establish a paid leave program. (This program would allow people in Hawaii to take time off with pay to welcome a new child into the family, take care of a loved one who is sick or take time off to recover from a health issue themselves.)
- Secure funding for the Da Bux program that helps families receiving food assistance buy more fruits and vegetables.
The bad news:
- Unfortunately, the bill that would restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco and vaping products did not pass out of committee. While disappointing we remain hopeful that the bill that would return local control on the issue of flavored tobacco products will pass. Two counties, Hawaii and Honolulu, have passed flavored tobacco restrictions that will go into effect if local control is returned.
We are working to keep these priorities moving forward and will be in touch with more updates and opportunities for you to take action and help with these issues.
Thank you for being part of our relentless force for longer, healthier lives.
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