Lawmakers are looking to reduce funding for tobacco prevention and quit-smoking programs. This is upsetting because these programs helped me quit and made a huge impact on my life. Without funding, programs will be canceled and more lives will be needlessly lost.

I've been so lucky to have encouragement from good people in my community to help me quit. I successfully quit smoking cigarettes a year ago with the help of Kokua Kalihi Valley's program. It was never easy. I tried and failed several times before. Even now, after 14 months without a cigarette, I still get the urge to smoke. Like everyone, my life is stressful. Each day takes effort to not pick up a cigarette.

I realize how bad cigarettes are for my health now and I want to live a long, happy life. If only I had known that when I was a child, maybe I wouldn't have started. Back then I felt pressured by my friends and thought all the cool kids were doing it — so at 12 years old, I became a smoker.

Kids today have programs and people to help them learn about the dangers of smoking. And people like me can get services to help fight this addiction. I owe my tobacco-free life to Kokua Kalihi Valley.

I urge our lawmakers not to cut funding to these programs. Many people will not be given multiple opportunities and continued support like I was. And I won't have anywhere to turn to when I need continued encouragement.

I hope the people of Hawaii realize what we've got now and what we will be missing if funding is slashed.

Everyone, including myself, who depends on these programs would deeply appreciate it if lawmakers continued to support them with needed funding.

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Debbie Taamu is an educational assistant for special-needs children at McKinley High School.