Hawaii becomes first U.S. state to raise smoking age to 21

[Jazzy]

Hawaii's governor on Friday signed a bill raising the legal smoking age statewide to 21, the first U.S. state to do so.

The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016, and will also ban the sale, purchase or use of electronic cigarettes for those under the age of 21.

"Raising the minimum age as part of our comprehensive tobacco control efforts will help reduce tobacco use among our youth and increase the likelihood that our keiki (children) will grow up to be tobacco-free," Governor David Ige said in a statement.

Also on Friday, Ige signed a bill banning smoking and e-cigarette use at state parks and beaches, acts already banned in all city and county parks other than of Kaua'i County, according to his office.

Opponents of the bill have argued that it limits choice for people considered adults in other situations, like joining the military.

Thoughts on raising the legal smoking age to 21?

 

[Smiley]

Fine by me, but do they seriously expect anyone to actually obey it?

 

[WHO IS SERAFIN]

Hawaii is becoming a sister island of Cuba. The state knowing whats best for you and damn your personal rights.

 

[Jazzy]

So the age for smoking/drinking alcohol is 21 but you can be 18 to fight in a war. If 18 is old enough to fight for this country then 18 is old enough to make up their own minds if they want to smoke or not.

This country is trying to be a nanny government that tells people what they can do. They want to regulate what you eat, drink, smoke and take away your gun ownership rights. What a joke.