I provided testimony in support of this measure, including proposed amendments and a draft ordinance to address the black market sales and distribution of vape and e-cigarette products in Maui County. I trust this committee will give these recommendations thoughtful consideration. I urge the Council to adopt a stronger approach and allocate resources to effectively bring this issue under control.
The chemicals being inhaled, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other harmful compounds, are causing severe health consequences. These often lead to conditions requiring extensive medical management and, in some cases, premature death. The resulting health impacts will place an increasingly significant financial burden on our community.
The use of vape products and e-cigarettes has escalated into a full-blown addiction crisis. Maui now has an opportunity to take control of its unique challenges with this growing epidemic. While the 2014 law was a landmark achievement, it has become outdated and underfunded for enforcement. Over the past 11 years, the problem has worsened, fueled by a thriving black market and a troubling increase in youth usage. I strongly support implementing stricter measures beyond the scope of state-level legislation. Maui County must address this issue at the local level, rather than relying solely on the State of Hawaii.
It is disheartening to note that many county employees are observed vaping on county property, including at public parks. If the County cannot effectively regulate this issue within its own workforce, how can it expect to enforce these regulations across the broader community? The County must either take meaningful control of this issue or defer the responsibility to the State.
I wish you success in addressing this critical problem and hope to see substantive action taken.
I provided testimony in support of this measure, including proposed amendments and a draft ordinance to address the black market sales and distribution of vape and e-cigarette products in Maui County. I trust this committee will give these recommendations thoughtful consideration. I urge the Council to adopt a stronger approach and allocate resources to effectively bring this issue under control.
The chemicals being inhaled, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other harmful compounds, are causing severe health consequences. These often lead to conditions requiring extensive medical management and, in some cases, premature death. The resulting health impacts will place an increasingly significant financial burden on our community.
The use of vape products and e-cigarettes has escalated into a full-blown addiction crisis. Maui now has an opportunity to take control of its unique challenges with this growing epidemic. While the 2014 law was a landmark achievement, it has become outdated and underfunded for enforcement. Over the past 11 years, the problem has worsened, fueled by a thriving black market and a troubling increase in youth usage. I strongly support implementing stricter measures beyond the scope of state-level legislation. Maui County must address this issue at the local level, rather than relying solely on the State of Hawaii.
It is disheartening to note that many county employees are observed vaping on county property, including at public parks. If the County cannot effectively regulate this issue within its own workforce, how can it expect to enforce these regulations across the broader community? The County must either take meaningful control of this issue or defer the responsibility to the State.
I wish you success in addressing this critical problem and hope to see substantive action taken.