Tobacco-Free Kaua’i has been hard at work educating the ninth graders at Kaua’i High School. Kauai’s rates of tobacco use and electronic cigarettes is one of the highest in the state and e-cig use is shockingly high in middle schools and high schools. Educating Kaua’i youth on this matter is of high importance to the coalition.
The ninth graders were educated on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the facts about e-cigs. They also learned about advocacy and policy and how they can be the generation to end tobacco use.
The students were excited to help with our advocacy work around Smoke-Free Vehicles for Keiki. They created petitions to be brought to the capitol on Kick Butts Day on March 20th.
Students also wrote personal stories to the legislators about their own exposure to secondhand smoke, asking them to pass Senate Bill 261. A few Kaua’i high school students will be accompanying coalition coordinator, Stephanie, to the capitol for Kick Butts Day to rally and advocate for clean, healthy air for our keiki.