Hilo Support for ‘e-cigs’ ADVERTISING The ruling class in the Hawaii Legislature has recently targeted electronic cigarettes for reclassification and taxation. In the proposed legislation (HB2557 and SB2819), they want to reclassify these tobacco-free devices as tobacco products and increase
Support for ‘e-cigs’
The ruling class in the Hawaii Legislature has recently targeted electronic cigarettes for reclassification and taxation. In the proposed legislation (HB2557 and SB2819), they want to reclassify these tobacco-free devices as tobacco products and increase the tax on EACH e-cig component by 70 percent.
There are usually four to six components to an individual e-cig: the battery, the battery charger and adapter cord, cartridges, vaporizer and the solution (zero to full-strength nicotine content). Real cigarettes would become more affordable.
For those who are unfamiliar with e-cigs, there is no second-hand or even first-hand smoke involved. There is no obnoxious or any other odor, and the use of these benign alternatives to actual smoking has no adverse effects on anyone, much like the transdermal nicotine patches worn to aid in quitting smoking.
The adverse effects of smoking a real cigarette come from the carcinogenic chemical additives in the cigarette that make it burn evenly and to preserve the tobacco during storage and distribution of the product.
I buy my e-cigs from a vendor on Oahu. They employ 40 people in six sites around the islands. They and other vendors here in Hawaii will be forced to close shop or move out of state if this cynical legislation, based on bogus medical science and motivated by a bureaucratic lust and compulsion for raising taxes, becomes law.
D. Fleming
Pahoa
Fantasy vs. reality
Sunset Magazine’s rave about the Big Island’s greenery (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 18) was nice, but apart from that they may find we are akin to a Third World country.
The stabbings, shootings and beatings make us look a little lawless. And what about all the burglaries (I’ve had two) and barking dogs?
Our general appearance, property, roads and towns are in need of a little TLC (tender-loving care). Our lack of doctors (I’ve had to use clinics for 10 years) and our wild schools don’t help.
I live in Hilo. I like Hilo. I’m just saying.
Virgil Wheatley
Hilo
