Hawaii County councilman proposes higher age limit for tobacco
A bill banning smoking at some beach parks in Honolulu passed a City Council Committee today.
KAILUA-KONA » The Hawaii County Council will consider a measure to raise the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.
West Hawaii Today reports the bill sponsored by Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha could be considered at a meeting Oct. 15 at the West Hawaii Civic Center.
The bill is backed by the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii.
Director Jessica Yamauchi says 95 percent of smokers begin the habit before they turn 21.
She says twice as many people smoke at age 18 to 20 that at age 16 to 17.
