Meetings seek comments
on tobacco-control efforts

Public meetings will be held statewide to get input for a strategic plan to guide tobacco-control efforts in Hawaii for the next five years.

Schedule Meetings are scheduled as follows: » Molokai, from noon to 2 p.m. today at Home Pumehana Senior Center. » Oahu, tomorrow, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center; Aug. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. at Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center, Windward Unit; and Aug. 24, 4 to 6 p.m. at Kapiolani Community College. » Big Island, 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 25, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kona Outdoor Circle Facilities. » Maui, noon to 3 p.m. Aug.. 25, Maui Economic Opportunity Family Center. » The Kauai meeting was held yesterday.

"We want this plan to address the real concerns people have about tobacco in their communities, especially those groups at greatest risk for tobacco addiction," said Deborah Zysman, Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii executive director.

The state Department of Health is co-sponsoring the meetings with the coalition and the Hawaii Community Foundation.

"A comprehensive tobacco control plan will unify Hawaii's tobacco-prevention efforts and build the infrastructure to reach our goal for a tobacco-free Hawaii," Health Director Chiyome Fukino said.

People interested in tobacco prevention, cessation and control are encouraged to participate in the meetings to discuss measures for a plan to be presented at a Tobacco Control Summit in November.

The meetings will explore programs to help people quit smoking, ways to prevent smoking among youth and laws to protect everyone in the state.

"We want to find and address gaps and duplication so that we get the best bang for our buck," Zysman said.

Present trends and effects of tobacco use in Hawaii will be discussed and participants encouraged to share thoughts about tobacco use in various communities.

For more information, visit the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii Web site at www.tobaccofreehawaii.org, or contact Zysman at 432-9116 or Maria Reyes at 432-9140.