Tobacco.org

EDITORIAL: Don't raid tobacco fund  

Despite overwhelming opposition in testimony, Hawaii legislators appear set on diverting money from states' 1998 national settlement with tobacco companies in order to help balance the budget. The factually based warning that such a diversion would be penny-wise and pound-foolish -- costing more in health care than that saved from reduced smoking -- appears to have fallen on deaf ears. . . .

The tax increases could help offset the reduction in funding for the anti-tobacco campaign. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a 10 percent increase in cigarette prices reduces consumption by 3 percent to 5 percent and discourages young people from becoming addicted.

Of course, the tax increases combined with an active campaign against smoking would be even more effective.

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