Whenever I saw an empty piece of retail space, and later notice it being occupied by a tobacco vape shop, I felt sad.

While e-cigarettes avoid the tar and carbon monoxide of traditional cigarettes, they still take in highly addictive nicotine. Being less harmful does not equal safe.

Unfortunately, the smoking habit is often generational. Studies have found that children with parents who smoke are often three to four 4 times more likely to take up the practice themselves.

I don’t want to sound callous or condemning. I know that nicotine intake is one of the most difficult habits to break. But is this really the legacy you want to pass down to your kids?

More likely you want them to develop a love for their family and culture, a respect for elders and a determination to reach their dreams through hard work.

I’ve heard many say tobacco is their best way to handle stress. But is that the advice you get from your family doctor? As soon as you hear a doctor recommend cigarettes or vaping for stress, you know it’s time to find another physician.

I’m sure I don’t speak for myself when I encourage citizens of Hawaii to do what they can to reduce the increase of people sucking on objects to blow out smoke. Let’s not open any more tobacco stores for the sake of the health of all we love.

Don Booth
Wailuku