[cooljay788]

Here's an article I found. If legislators in Hawaii are so worried about keeping slim cigs outta teen girls' hands, then something is seriously wrong with that. I'd like to think the economy problems are more serious than a state trying to ban slim cigs.

Teen girls in Hawaii can always buy cigs in normal packs anyway.
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HONOLULU — Hawaii may ban lipstick-sized packs of slim cigarettes because some lawmakers believe they're marketed toward teenage girls.


A bill pending before the Hawaii Legislature would prohibit the small, pink and teal packs of cigarettes, known as "purse packs," from being sold in the islands.

"Something like this would appeal to young, gullible girls," said Jackie Young, chief staff officer in Hawaii for the American Cancer Society. "They're seductive looking. They're sexy and glamorous. But they're still full of toxins."

The measure specifically mentions Virginia Slims Superslims Lights. They are made by Philip Morris USA and were initially marketed in the United States in October, according to the legislation.

Similar types of thin cigarettes, like Virginia Slims Superslims Ultra Lights, have been sold for nearly 20 years, said Bill Phelps, a spokesman for Richmond, Va.-based Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris USA. The difference with these new cigarettes is their packaging.

"Our marketing practices are designed to reach adults who are 21 years of age and older and already smoke," Phelps said, noting that the company supports legislation curbing underage access to tobacco products.

Hawaii appears to be the only state attempting to prohibit these types of cigarettes, Phelps said.

The bill is being pushed by the Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus, which announced the proposal yesterday.

"It's attractive to minors. They're selling something that's hard for young people to resist," said Rep. Marilyn Lee, D-Mililani-Mililani Mauka.

A manager at a gas station that carries the Virginia Slims Superslims Lights said she hasn't seen young girls show an interest in the toothpick-like cigarettes. Instead, office workers, accountants and nurses are the kind of people who buy them.

"Most of the people who buy that kind of cigarette were at least 30 years old," said Louisa Sawinski, a manager at Kaneohe Shell Food Mart. "That kind of cigarette doesn't sell too well anyway."

Kawika Crowley of the Hawaii pro-smoking group Americans for Freedom of Choice said the proposed ban is another government attack on personal freedoms.

"Our economy is tanking and tourism is down, and we're worried about thin cigarettes? Give me a break," Crowley said.

The thin cigarette ban legislation has been referred to multiple committees, but hearings on it haven't been scheduled yet.

[PiccoloNamek]

Lame. As if such bans would actually stop teens from smoking. Good luck with that!